Teak-tough War wins International battle

Declaration Of War has appeared enough times this summer to give him a logical chance of winning any Group One race, but it was still something of a surprise to see him turn over Al Kazeem and Toronado in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York yesterday.

Since causing a semi-upset in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, partly due to the under-performing Animal Kingdom, Aidan O’Brien’s colt was defeated by Al Kazeem in the Eclipse and Toronado in the Sussex Stakes and even managed to fit in another placed effort in the Prix Jacques le Marois some 10 days ago.

O’Brien justifiably waxed lyrical about Declaration Of War’s remarkable make-up, while connections of the vanquished pair were left scratching their heads after their respective third- and sixth-placed finishes.