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SAPPHIRE THE JEWEL IN WELD CROWN

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Sat

Sapphire stayed on strongly to deny perennial bridesmaid Shirocco Star in the Qipco British Champions Fillies' And Mares' Stakes at Ascot.

Relishing the testing conditions, the four-year-old filly pulled nicely clear in the closing stages to give trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Pat Smullen a high-profile double after the success of Rite Of Passage in the Long Distance Cup.

Last year's winner Dancing Rain tried to make all and stuck on well for third, but Sapphire, the 5-2 joint-favourite, got the better of Shirocco Star to land the Group Two spoils by two and a quarter lengths.

MIGHTY MAAREK THE SPRINT KING

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Sat

Maarek got a fine run through on the stands rail to take the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

The 5-1 shot was one of just four horses to stick to the near side and David Nagle's seasoned campaigner, who revels in soft ground, grabbed the lead from The Cheka to seal the race.

From the main group, it was Hawkeyethenoo who did best, but he was three-quarters of a length behind the second Irish-trained winner on the card. Sirius Prospect kept on well for third place, a further length and three-quarters away.