Royal Ascot: Isle Of Jura continues remarkable rise with Hardwicke triumph

The remarkable continued his fairytale campaign with a brilliant victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at

George Scott’s charge was rated in the low 70s last year, but is fast becoming a middle-distance operator to be reckoned with after winning five races on the spin.

Following a winter hat-trick in Bahrain, the four-year-old made a successful return to Britain in the Listed Festival Stakes at Goodwood last month – but with Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe fifth among his rivals, he was sent off at 16-1 stepping up to Group Two level.

Partnered by Callum Shepherd, who earlier this season lost the ride on Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly, the New Approach gelding moved to the heels of the pacesetters at the top of the home straight before finding a gear his rivals simply could not match.

Such was the authority with which he won, Shepherd was able to take a look at the big screen in the closing strides before standing up in the stirrups to salute the crowd, with three and three-quarter lengths separating him and French raider at the line.

was third, with 13-8 favourite Continuous back in fifth on what was his first competitive appearance since the Arc in October.

This was a first Royal Ascot winner for both trainer and jockey.

"He's been amazing," said the winning rider.

"We took out for [the Bahrain Turf Series] initally and thought he would be better than that, but at that stage we had no idea. 

"He just kept on improving, never let us down and has got better with every start and become very straightforward and has a real desire to win. He was rusty at Goodwood but you still saw that innate desire to get past the post in front and that's so important."

In reference to losing the Derby ride on Ambiente Friendly, Shepherd added to Sky Sports Racing: "I thought I found my diamond and that wasn't to be, but he has certainly blossomed into one.

"We had a great winter and it was all going pretty smoothly, but that's sport it won't all go your way for long. 

"I'm so fortunate to have this horse to continue to bring me to the big occasion. We haven't made too many mistakes yet and hopefully it will stay that way."

Scott said: “Isle Of Jura is a special horse. He has improved all the time and has been a pleasure to train. He has just kept improving physically – he is the most ginormous horse. He is a beautiful mover and a lot of hard work has gone into him at home.

“The finish was a moment I will never forget, everything stopped for a minute and I could enjoy the last half-furlong. Most best-laid plans go to pot, but this has been a long-term plan. This was an obvious race for him. We knew Goodwood would bring him on, and it has. We knew he would get the ground, and he has. It was a scintillating performance, so we shall enjoy it.

“All roads lead to the King George, 100 percent.” 

He added: “Callum gave him a perfect ride. He sat nice and tight to a slow pace. He was in pole position and able to make use of his position, kick nice and early and put the race to bed.”

Goliath’s trainer Francis-Henri Graffard said: “We came here because we wanted to avoid the French style of racing, with no pace, and unfortunately today they decided to do a little bit of the same. 

"My horse was a bit too keen through the race; he’s difficult to manage, but not too bad today. 

"I walked the course and there was a good cover of grass and I thought it was safe ground for him, but he’s probably better with a bit of cut. 

"He has to settle in his races to be able to stay and to produce a good turn of foot, but we are very pleased with the run - he’s a very nice horse and we beat some very nice horses, too. 

"He’s entered in the King George, but we’ll see what the weather forecast is. It is a long journey and a tough race, but why not?”

Oisin Murphy said of Middle Earth: “I didn’t want to be back at the field but, as I said before the race, Middle Earth is a bit of a slow starter. He travelled and finished very well. 

"He ran home the last three furlongs in, I’d imagine, the quickest time of the race, so you have to be grateful for that.

"He’s probably run up to his rating.

"It wouldn’t surprise me if he went to the King George, but it would be lovely to win a Group Two on the way to more difficult races.” 

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