King's Apostle takes Diadem crown at Ascot

Nearly-horse King's Apostle picked the perfect moment to start winning again in the Group Two John Guest Diadem Stakes.

The William Haggas-trained 12-1 shot is known to not be straightforward and had flashed home on several occasions in big handicaps, taking third in the Wokingham and second in the Stewards’ Cup.

The application of a visor seemed to have an impact and with Liam Jones always keeping within touching distance of the leaders, there was enough in the tank to reach the post a neck ahead of the 11-2 favourite Diabolical.

“He’s not been over-raced this year and ran a cracking race here in the Wokingham and the Stewards’ Cup (at Goodwood),” said Maureen Haggas, wife of the winning handler.

“I think the visor has really helped him.

“He was going to race in Singapore at the end of last year but we kept him here to get some black type and he’s rewarded us.

“That could easily be it for the year and we’ll go for next year. He still looks well, though, and William will decide what he wants to do next.”