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THE REEL DEAL

Royal Ascot 2017 – Aidan O’Brien’s Highland Reel won the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes

As the field turned for home, Highland Reel looked to be in trouble with Decorated Knight and Ulysses challenging but he held them all off bravely to win going away

Highland Reel

HIGHLAND REEL gave Aidan O'Brien his first winner of the week as he battled gamely to win the Prince Of Wales's Stakes.

Scottish took them along early with Highland Reel sitting in second with the race really getting started as they entered the home straight.

Challengers came from out wide in both Decorated Knight and Ulysses but none could get past the brave Highland Reel.

Decorated Knight held on for second with Ulysses third.

 Highland Reel battles to win the Prince Of Wales's
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Highland Reel battles to win the Prince Of Wales'sCredit: PA

Winning jockey Ryan Moore said: "He's so tough, he's got a marvellous attitude, so many came at him there.

"This lad has been everywhere but he keeps coming back. It was a tough performance at Epsom (Coronation Cup) and another one today, he's so brave and I'd say that was probably a career best.

"Fair play to Aidan to keep bringing him back. He had a difficult day at Epsom but to come here and win, it's a massive performance.

"We knew he'd see it out really well."

 Highland Reel (second from left) holds off all his challengers
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Highland Reel (second from left) holds off all his challengersCredit: PA

O'Brien said: "He's a brilliant horse and Ryan gave him a brilliant ride.

"Davy and Andrew were happy with him at home and they were really looking forward to it. We're delighted.

"Seamus (Heffernan) was very happy with his work and David who rides him every day was over the moon with him. He's unbelievable.

"He's just an incredible horse - pace, courage, speed, he has everything, he's a great horse.

"He's won't stop, he's so quick tactically and so brave. He stays a mile and a half well but won over seven at two so he's always had that pace."

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