Declaration of War wins Royal Ascot opener

American superstar Animal Kingdom proved a bitter disappointment as Declaration Of War claimed victory in the Queen Anne Stakes, the opening race of Royal Ascot 2013.

Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup hero Animal Kingdom was a hot favourite for this one-mile Group One contest, but with the early pace far from frenetic, Graham Motion’s challenger was pulling fiercely for his head under John Velazquez, who had a distinct lack of cover.