Radiohead Rocks In Norfolk

Radiohead (right) lands the Norfolk.

Radiohead weathered a troublesome storm to win a rough renewal of the Norfolk Stakes, the opening heat on day three of Royal Ascot.

Brian Meehan's two-year-old was on the receiving end of a significant skirmish, initiated by American raider Yogaroo, a furlong from the line.

Wesley Ward's juvenile swerved violently left when shown the whip by John Velazquez, and ricocheted sideways into 6-4 favourite Monsieur Chevalier - who in turn collided with Radiohead.

While the incident put paid to the chances of Yogaroo and Monsieur Chevalier, Meehan's charge, who was ponied down to the start, carried on regardless.

Jamie Spencer did an excellent job to regain composure, powering through on the inside of runner-up Reignier to collect by two lengths.

Meehan said of the 10-1 shot: "When he got that bump, I looked away and thought we were out of the race, but all credit to the horse and Jamie.

"We tend to keep him nice and quiet at home and not do too much with him as he's fairly electrifying.

"The pony is there and might as well be used.

"It's a great thing for the two-year-olds as it keeps them relaxed.

"I need to talk to Jamie about him staying six furlongs and we'll consider the July Stakes and the Gimcrack.

"There are plenty of options for him, and one of the more likely ones would be the Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte (July 26).

"It's always a tough meeting, Ascot, and it's nice to get a winner as it has been a while since we last had one."

Spencer added of last month's impressive Bath winner: "I thought we had no chance.

"When you get a bang like that at the furlong pole in a five-furlong Group race, it's curtains.

"I couldn't believe he was able to get going again.

"He was hit from side on and generally a horse would be winded and it's so hard to get balanced again.

"I had to stop for three or four strides, get him balanced and off Richard's (Hughes, on Monsieur Chevalier) heels. It's just surreal really."

Reignier's trainer, Karl Burke, said of the 50-1 outsider: "I only stuck him in half an hour before the race closed because it looked like it was struggling on only about 10 entries.

"I'd have been happy to have been fifth or sixth, but he is a real progressive horse and I'm sure there's a good race in him."

Mick Channon was also pleased with the performance of 7-1 shot Tawaabb, who finished third.

"We think there's more improvement in him, but let's see what happens," said the trainer.

"There was no hanging about today and he's a horse with plenty of boot."