Top class perfomances from Duke Of Marmalade and Papal Bull

Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill - Love Me True, by Kingmambo) landed his fourth Group One of the season in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, but he had to dig deep to get past Papal Bull to win on his first start over 1m 4f. The pair were nine lengths clear of Youmzain in third.

Red Rocks Canyon had set a steady early pace with Duke Of Marmalade racing in fifth spot, whilst Papal Bull, ridden for the first time by Olivier Peslier, raced at the rear of the field.

Turning for home, Johnny Murtagh cruised to the front on the outside of runners on Duke Of Marmalade and soon was galloping clear. Papal Bull ran on strongly from the rear and more than matched Duke Of Marmalade in the early part of the straight, overhauling that rival and going a length clear. Duke Of Marmalade dug deep though, and he soon rallied, finding more under pressure in the final furlong to take the lead again, finally passing the post half a length clear. Youmzain was best of the rest, having taken time to find a clear run in the straight.

This was a brilliant effort from Duke Of Marmalade who removed any doubts about his stamina, as well as from the runner up, who surely has a big race in him.

Murtagh told the BBC afterwards: "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.

"He's one of my favourites, and one of the best I've ever ridden. He's a true champion."

O'Brien added: "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."

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."