The remarkable Isle Of Jura continued his fairy-tale campaign with a brilliant victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.
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 Continuous 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 Goliath at the line.
Middle Earth was third, with 13-8 favourite Continuous back in fifth on what was his first competitive appearance since the Arc in October.
Source : Sky Sports
