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Equiano stuns sprint rivals

Image: Equiano

Spanish sprinter Equiano beat an international field in the Group One King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

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Spain handed first Royal Ascot triumph

Spanish sprinter Equiano beat an international field to win the Group One King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. French jockey Olivier Peslier made just about all the running on the 22/1 shot, making the most of the stands' side rail to beat former winner Takeover Target (6/1) and 15/8 favourite Fleeting Spirit. Trained by Mauricio Delcher Sanchez, the three-year-old was having only his second run over the minimum trip but showed he was a sprinter of promise in France last time out. And Takeover Target, the Australian horse who won in 2006, couldn't quite get on terms with Peslier's mount in the closing stages as they held on by half a length. South African raider National Colour led a small group over to the far side but only Dandy Man threatened to take a hand in the finish, eventually settling for fourth place. "He ran very well in France last time and today was the big ambition," reported the winning jockey. "The horse has a lot of speed and he travels well. "The trainer said he would be better to stay behind and get cover but I said over five furlongs he'd be better in front. "He was handy and everything went right for him." Equiano was purchased only two weeks ago by Irish owner James Acheson, who now plans to send the horse to Lambourn trainer Barry Hills. Joe Janiak, trainer of the runner-up, said: "The horse blew up a little bit so there should be improvement to come and the extra distance of the Golden Jubilee will suit him too. "Jay (Ford) said at the two pole he had the winner, but the winner just wouldn't give up. "He doesn't have as much speed as he used to but he still ran a superb race for an old bloke."

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