The Tin Man shows heart to win thriller

The Tin Man, front left, wins the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Ascot. Photograph: John Walton/PA

James Fanshawe’s charge had previous over the course and distance having landed the British Champions Sprint last October, but needed to raise his game after finishing fifth on his reappearance in last month’s Duke of York Stakes.

Sent off at 9-2, he was waited with by Tom Queally before launching his challenge against the far rail in the final furlong.

The Tin Man responded to join Duke of York victor Tasleet and 2-1 favourite Limato in a three-way battle for supremacy and after some scrimmaging – in which Limato was the meat in the sandwich as the winner came off the rail – Fanshawe’s charge prevailed by a neck.

Tasleet was three-quarters of a length in front of Limato in second and although the stewards looked into possible interference late in the piece and called in the jockeys, the placings remained unaltered, with Ryan Moore, the rider of Limato, admitting in the televised coverage that while his mount was squeezed for room, his chance “was gone at that point”.

Fanshawe said: “I’m a very relieved man and I’m very grateful to The Tin Man for putting up a fantastic performance, to Tom, who gave him a great ride, and everyone back at home.

“These are the horses you need. The Tin Man is a star horse and we’re lucky to have him.

“There’s no place like Royal Ascot and training Group One winners here is great.

“I’m just enjoying today, but he’s in the July Cup so we’ll see how he is over the next few days.”

With a nod to the impressive performance of Caravaggio in the Commonwealth Cup on Friday,  he added: “It will be interesting when the four-year-olds meet the three-year-olds, as they look a good bunch.

“He is great for the yard and a great horse to have. I’m sure we will meet with Caravaggio at some point this year and let’s just hope The Tin Man is in one piece when they do meet up.”