Conditions against Stradivarius as Kew Gardens claims glory

Trainer John Gosden felt conditions were against Stradivarius after he suffered defeat for the first time in nearly two years at Ascot on Saturday. The five-year-old has dominated the staying division in recent times, with 10 consecutive victories including in the Yorkshire Cup, Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup. However, he found one too good at the Berkshire venue as Kew Gardens lowered the son of Sea The Stars’ colours. It seemed Frankie Dettori would be guiding his mount to another success when travelling smoothly throughout most of the race but Kew Gardens took the lead soon after the turn for home. Stradivarius pulled up alongside but it was Aidan O’Brien’s charge who got the decision as the duo flashed past the post together. Gosden felt that conditions underfoot were not ideal for his superstar and remained philosophical in defeat. “It was too soft and he was not entirely happy on it,” he said. “He didn’t really love it through Swinley Bottom. It was very bold and sporting of Mr Nielsen to run him but he just found the ground too soft. “He did well to win it last year as they went no pace. This year he found it too much of a slog in the ground. He has run a wonderful race and has come back in and had a whinny, so he is happy.”