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BIG ANCESTRY

Royal Ascot – Big Orange win no shock on ancestry

Michael Bell's popular stayer Big Orange may have caused a minor surprise when beating odds-on favourite Order Of St George in a thrilling renewal of the Ascot Gold Cup, but according to Ascot Ancestry, we shouldn't be surprised at all.

Big Orange

DESPITE being a 5/1 shot, Big Orange’s incredible victory in the Ascot Gold Cup just a few weeks ago is far from a shock if you look into his ancestry.

According to research by My Racing, the winner had 80 major race wins within his ancestry, highlighting that winning really does run in the family.

Looking through the ancestry of all the Royal Ascot Gold Cup runners, My Racing’s explores whether a strong family history of race success, could help predict a modern day race winner.

Big Orange
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James Doyle celebrated his big win on Big OrangeCredit: PA

Both Big Orange and second placed defending champion Order of St George finished in the top five in terms of Ancestor wins, with the latter having 86 staked races behind him.

The Gold Cup one-two could renew their rivalry at the Goodwood Cup on August 1 - recently awarded Group One status for the first time - and according to Ascot Ancestry, it could see last year’s Ascot winner pip Big Orange to the post this time around.

To view the full list of common ancestry, including which ancestor has sired the most horses and winners, visit .

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