Subjectivist has caused a major shock at Royal Ascot, providing trainer Mark Johnston with a fourth Gold Cup while favourite Stradivarius - chasing a fourth win of his own - met trouble in running and could only finish fourth.
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Jockey Joe Fanning sat second throughout Thursday's feature race as Amhran Na Bhfiann set steady fractions at the head of affairs, while Frankie Dettori on Stradivarius was happy to let the race unfold in front of him.
Fanning kicked clear with over two furlongs to run, just before the field turned into the straight, and as the runners bunched up Dettori found a wall of horses blocking his path on the favourite.
Subjectivist - so impressive in the Dubai Gold Cup last time out and a Group One winner in France before that - took three lengths out of the field and was never likely to be found out for a lack of stamina.
As he kicked clear Amhran Na Bhfiann was weakening rapidly - right into Dettori's path - and all of a sudden Stradivarius was up against it.
Tony Mullins' mare Princess Zoe came out of the pack to chase Subjectivist and although Dettori tried valiantly to weave his way through, he found himself with too much to do.
Subjectivist (13-2) had five lengths to spare over Princess Zoe, with Spanish Mission a further half-length back in third, just ahead of the 5-6 market leader.
Weighing-room veteran Fanning was afforded a tremendous reception by racegoers and his fellow riders on his return to the winner's enclosure.
Australian Associated Press
