A photo finish was called after Limestone and Del Maro crossed the line in tandem in the Queen’s Vase, with the former narrowly getting the verdict.
The New Bay colt was well positioned to the fore by Dylan Brown McMonagle, unfazed by the tearaway leader. He took a while to gather momentum, but gamely found another gear to just hold on.
Speaking to the Press Association after the race, via Racing TV, Joseph O’Brien was full of praise for the pair: “I’m delighted. It was a great ride from Dylan, he was in a great position and in control of the race. I’m delighted to have a second winner here this week, it’s very special.
“He didn’t do anything wrong last year, but he’s got better with every race. He has come out on top in a couple of photo finishes, which is a good trait to have in a horse.”
McMonagle, who’s riding the crest of a wave after his excellent Oaks success on Thundering On, said: “It was straightforward, I was happy to get a good start and go forward on him. He is a relaxed horse and you can really put him wherever you want.
“If there was going to be speed, I was happy to follow, and if not, to go forward. I was happy to be in the position and then one came and took it off us. I felt I was in the perfect spot. We didn’t go overly quick and it gave me something to run at.
“They did quicken off the bend and caught me for a little bit of pace, but I knew this lad would come in the last furlong and we hit the line strong.”
“A winner would be nice but we’ll keep going” – Charlie Appleby
Charlie Appleby took his Ascot form this week to 0-7 as he saw Del Maro agonisingly beaten. Ever noble in defeat, Appleby told the Press Association, via At The Races: “We’re getting closer! I was stood next to Joseph and I said I would happily take a dead-heat with you!
“I’m delighted though and his pedigree has come out. A trip is what he’s been crying out for and we were always going to ride him in that style. Drop him in and give him every chance to come home.
“A winner would be nice but we’ll keep going.”