Marmalade takes sweet victory

Aidan O'Brien banked his 14th Group One of the season when Duke Of Marmalade stormed to a plucky victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The Ballydoyle handler's remarkable campaign scaled new heights at Ascot as the Danehill colt justified 4-6 favouritism under Johnny Murtagh.

Duke Of Marmalade needed to show tremendous courage, though, as Papal Bull headed Murtagh's mount close home. But O'Brien's charge found a shade more when asked by his partner to score by half a length.

Murtagh said: "I quickened up very well and was surprised to see another horse come with me. But my horse has got the qualities of being a great horse - he's a great battler and has a great will to win.

"The race worked out very well for me and to go nine lengths clear of the third (Youmzain) tells you what this horse is capable of. This is another huge win for me and for the team. He's one of my favourites, and one of the best I've ever ridden. He's a true champion."

O'Brien added: "This is marvellous and I'm delighted for everybody. When he goes to the front he's lazy and Johnny gave him a marvellous ride. Johnny hadn't planned on taking it up as early as he did, so he was ready for another horse to come to him."

Duke Of Marmalade was cut from 7-1 to 5-1 for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe by Stan James, but asked about future plans, O'Brien added: "Everything is an option to him and all races are open to him. You wouldn't mind dropping him back to a mile and a quarter and train him positively, instead of keeping him asleep."