Royal Ascot 2019 results: Latest horse racing updates as Frankie Dettori wins Gold Cup on Stradivarius
Follow the latest from day three at Royal Ascot
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Day three at Royal Ascot hosts the feature race of the week, the Gold Cup, the event's oldest surviving race.
History was made in 2013 when Estimate won the Gold Cup, making The Queen the first reigning monarch to own a winner in the race’s 212-year history.
Stradivarius is favourite to retain his title for jockey Frankie Dettori and trainer John Gosden, although it faces a much stronger field than the one it enjoyed 12 months ago. Follow live updates in the blog below:
Where to watch?
ITV will be showing live coverage of every race on ITV1 from 1:30 pm BST.
Where to watch online?
The Independent will keep you up to date with the dedicated live blog featuring live results and reaction throughout the day. The races will also be live on the ITV Hub.
On with the racing!
Right, enough of the Royals...time for the racing to take centre stage.
2:30 Norfolk Stakes
The market suggests there is little that will be able to stop Sunday Sovereign, who has twice won well in Ireland before making his British debut at Royal Ascot.
Wesley Ward and Aidan O’Brein have dominated this race in recent years, but neither trainer have a massive hopeful in this.
O’Brien enters Mount Fuji and King Neptune, while Ward's good chance Maven is withdrawn as a non-runner due to the going.
Live odds
Sunday Sovereign – 13/8
Aali – 6/1
Mount Fuji – 8/1
Air Force Jet – 8/1
Expressionist - 12/1
Ventura Rebel – 14/1
King Neptune – 20/1
Misty Grey – 20/1
Real Appeal – 28/1
Dubai Station – 33/1
Strive for Glory – 66/1
Firepower – 80/1
Emten – 80/1
Cool Sphere – 150/1
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What the trainers say ahead of the Norfolk Stakes
Paddy Twomey, trainer of Sunday Sovereign
He's been in great form since Tipperary and I'm looking forward to the race. The ground doesn't actually matter to him, but the fact that he has won on soft ground at Tipperary is a help.
Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Air Force Jet
He did well to get back up to win at Navan. I'm hoping the ground will dry out for him as the better the ground, the better chance he has.
Charlie Appleby, trainer of Expressionist
He was impressive on his first start and boasts important course-and-distance form. He's strengthened since then and I'm looking forward to seeing him step up in class.
Clive Cox, trainer of Firepower
He won very pleasingly over five furlongs on his debut at Salisbury before we stepped him up to six furlongs for a conditions race at Newbury. He travelled really well through that race, so I’m pleased we’ve opted to come back in trip with him. He’s a very nice horse.
Aidan O'Brien, trainer of King Neptune and Mount Fuji
King Neptune was beaten at the Curragh but ran well and we've been very happy with him since. Mount Fuji won his maiden at Cork and did so despite being very green so we think he'll come forward from that. He's a nice colt.
Charlie Johnston, assistant to Mark Johnston, trainer of Misty Grey
He took off down the hill at Epsom under Franny [Norton] and it's obvious he went too hard too soon. I'm not convinced about dropping him back to five furlongs as he stayed well at Ripon, but it's more his running style that is forcing us to do that. Hopefully he uses his energy more efficiently.
Matthieu Palussiere, trainer of Real Appeal
He was a little bit green in both his first two starts although essentially it all went well. At Angers I think he was beaten by the way the race unfolded but he made no mistake in his Listed race. I think the stiff track will suit him. He's very straightforward, very serious and professional.
Richard Fahey, trainer of Ventura Rebel
It's Royal Ascot but we're very happy with the horse. This has always been the plan since he won here last time and he has course form.
Via Racing Post
Expressionist has recovered some of the ground. Sunday Sovereign is poised well.
Frankie Dettori went early and A'Ali kicked clear along with Ventura Rebel and managed to hold him off.
Frankie Dettroi reaction
"He was travelling so goo. He did everything like a professional. What a good way to start. He's a good sprinter. I suspect he'll back him up in a race at Goodwood, five furlongs."
Simon Crisford reaction
A'Ali is the first maiden to win this race in 30 years.
"I can't put it into words," said trainer Simon Crisford. "He looked fresh and keen throughout the race. Even going to post I thought he was slightly cooked but he finished so well. We always knew he had special talent."
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