Norfolk spoils for Approve

Approve dented a couple of lofty reputations when battling to success in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Sent off at 16-1 having finished fourth at Epsom on Derby day, the William Haggas-trained youngster travelled strongly in the hands of Eddie Ahern before being pushed up to challenge for the lead passing the two-furlong marker.

Reckless Reward finished strongly to fill the runner-up spot but was a length and a quarter adrift at the line.

Excel Bolt ran a fine race to grab third after he raced alone towards the stands' side throughout.

Haggas said: "It was probably trainer instructions that got him beat at Epsom last time because he was drawn on the outside and had to drop in. Although we weren't in the first three, we weren't disappointed.

"You always like to have runners at Royal Ascot but I was cursing myself this morning because I thought we should have run in the Windsor Castle, but fortunately we've been all right."

Ahern added: "It was nobody's fault the last day. We were just badly drawn and he finished fourth, it was a good run.

"We were drawn two today, he was the first one out and I didn't mind if I had to make it.

"I wouldn't go any further than six furlongs with him."

Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, added: "We buy horses with size and scope but I don't think he has grown an inch since we got him, although he has broadened.

"I can't remember having a Highclere two-year-old run here but it's a real thrill.

"I know William is not going to want to wait long between races so I would imagine a race like the July or the Richmond Stakes would be ideal."

Richard Hannon junior, whose father trains Reckless Reward and the fifth home Zebedee, said: "He looks like he wants to go six furlongs now so there's a chance he could go to the July Stakes.

"But he's in the Doncaster Sales race at York in August and those races are worth so much these days we'll have to have a look at it.

"Ryan (Moore) said he would win in that grade no problem. He's run a super race but he does look as though he wants six furlongs now.

"Zebedee ran a nice race but it looks like he wants six furlongs now as well, which surprised me."

Excel Bolt's trainer Bryan Smart added: "He's only a small horse and is still up behind, but he'll be a proper horse in time.

"He'll have a month off and then we'll bring him back and have a look at where we'll go.

"Tom (Eaves) walked the track and said the quickest ground was on the far side, the middle of the course is dead and the stands' side is quick, although not as quick as the far side.

"That's why he decided to come along the stands' rail."

Saeed bin Suroor landed back-to-back victories in the Ribblesdale Stakes when Hibaayeb (4-1 joint-favourite) ran out an impressive winner in the hands of Frankie Dettori.

After the victory of Flying Cloud 12 months ago, confidence in the camp was high ahead of the fillies' Group Two race.

Winner of the Fillies' Mile for Clive Brittain last season, she disappointed in the 1000 Guineas on her first start for her new stable but shaped with much more promise in France last time behind the top-class Sarafina.

Dettori gave his mount a copy book ride, sitting in the perfect position throughout before taking over from Principal Role a furlong and a half out.

She was three and three-quarter lengths clear of Eldalil at the line with Gallic Star staying on for third.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: "She was really disappointing in the Guineas where she didn't really run a yard.

"We were pretty surprised by that so we decided to go for the Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp and she ran really well to finish third.

"We could have gone for the Oaks after that but we felt that would be tough so soon after France, so we decided to wait until Ascot and now we'll try our luck in the Irish Oaks."

Dettori added: "I think she relished the mile and a half and she won the Fillies' Mile here in the autumn so she likes the track.

"The further we were going, the further we were going to win.

"I had a good pitch and I could move out when I wanted to, so she gave me a fabulous ride."

Angus Gold, racing manager to Eldalil's owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: "That was a big step up and I don't know if it was lack of experience or whatever but she was slowly into her stride and got further back than one would have liked.

"I loved the way she came home and proved she stays the trip well and the winner is a filly with good form in the book.

"Sir Michael (Stoute) likes to bring his horses along gently so I'll leave plans up to him, but the options are now much greater as she has shown that she stays and is up to this class.

"Richard (Hills) felt the other filly (Fatanah) did not stay and 10 furlongs would be her trip."

Mick Channon said of the third: "Her form is there and she has done nothing wrong.

"She stayed on well having been a bit unlucky but she would not have beaten the winner whatever.

"It's been the same all over and the fillies have taken a long time to come to hand this year, but she was decent last year and has proved she is good this year.

"I have no clue where she'll go next but she looks to stay pretty well."