Passage goes the distance on dream return

Dermot Weld’s Rite Of Passage overcame an absence of 510 days to make a triumphant return in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot.

The Gold Cup winner of 2010 was held up in the rear by Pat Smullen as Ile De Re and Colour Vision made the running, and was the last to challenge.

Fame And Glory led two and a half furlongs out but his bid was shortlived and he was passed by Aiken, who in turn was collared close home by Rite Of Passage, who went on to win by a neck at 8-1.

Askar Tau was half a length away in third.