Horse Racing: Society Rock sparkles at Ascot

The bridesmaid finally became the bride on the final day of Royal Ascot as Society Rock took top Saturday honours in the Golden Jubilee Stakes.

James Fanshawe's charge was just under two lengths behind Starspangledbanner in the six-furlong heat last year but had subsequently lost his way.

However, the 25-1 shot made sure of his place in the record books as he handled the saturated ground in admirable style in the hands of Pat Cosgrave to prevail by half a length from Monsieur Chevalier.

Fanshawe's versatility has seen him win Champion Hurdles, staying races, a July Cup and seven previous Royal Ascot races, but he was the first to admit it had been a while since the yard had bagged a prize of this size.

"We've had plenty of good days, but they haven't been for a while and this is very special," said Fanshawe.

"Society Rock has been a slightly forgotten horse - he was second last year but he was never really right afterwards.

"He has taken his time to fire this spring but his last couple of pieces of work were very good.

"It's fantastic for Pat, and for his owner Simon Gibson, who is recovering after a fall at home."

Society Rock was seventh in last year's Darley July Cup, for which he is 7-1 with William Hill, but Fanshawe continued: "It all depends on how the horse is, as he is best fresh.

"But I'd love to have another go at the July Cup, and his owner lives locally to Newmarket."

Sir Michael Stoute drew a blank at Royal Ascot, but Profondo Rosso can spark the yard back into life at Windsor today.

While the John Sunley Memorial Handicap is some way from the glamour of the Berkshire highlight, Stoute will be pleased to get the wagon rolling again.

Profondo Rosso hails from an excellent Ballymacoll Stud family and while he has failed to hit the heights of some of his near relations, the three-year-old has one win to his credit.

That victory came over a mile at Brighton last term, when he showed a liking for the slightly easy ground in pulling just over two lengths clear.In contrast, Hughie Morrison had an excellent Royal meeting and his Liberal Lady carries the nap as she turns to the turf in the Ladbrokes Handicap.

The daughter of Statue Of Liberty broke her maiden at the third time of asking when landing a moderate Kempton heat in February.

Two winners have emerged from the also-rans, so perhaps the form is a little stronger than appears on first sight.

The surface is questionable, but Morrison is sure to have her well prepared for this handicap bow in her weeks off the track.