Ajtebi stars as Dubai-owned horses claim twin victories in tough contest

Ascot: Dubai-owned horses claimed a pair of wins here yesterday, but the day's honours went to the classy Rip Van Winkle, who stormed to an emphatic victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Ridden confidently by big-race jockey Johnny Murtagh the Irish-trained colt dug deep to stave off 20/1 shot Zacinto, while Godolphin hope Delegator finished third and Aqlaam fourth.

The performance earned Rip Van Winkle a ticket to the Breeders' Cup Classic in November.

Murtagh said: "I've found out how to ride him, what he likes and doesn't like. He's a typical Ballydoyle horse. He's courageous brave and come the big day they are always there."

Trainer Aidan O'Brien added: " It was lovely the way it happened - he's brave and he stays. He is class. Johnny was masterful. He'll go for the Breeders' Cup Classic and we're really looking forward to it."

Commenting on the performance of Delegator, Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: "He fell a bit short today, but we were beaten by two better horses on the day.

"My feeling is we will still go for the Breeders' Cup Mile with him, he will be running against those good horses and we know there will be no hiding place in California."

Earlier in the afternoon, Hibaayeb won the Group One Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile while 33/1 shot Ahla Wasahl triumphed in the Deloitte Rosemary Stakes under Emirati jockey Ahmad Ajtebi.

Hibaayeb is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who is the leading owner in Britain this season with 109 winners. Godolphin are a close second with 84 wins.

Clive Brittain was full of praise for Hibaayeb.

"This filly has never stopped improving," he said. "The first two bits of work she did weren't overly impressive, then the third bit was all right and we've gradually brought her on.

"I took her to Folkestone after she got beat first time at Newmarket and she got mugged on the line. We took her to Doncaster and we got mugged again."

Hibaayeb is quoted at odds of 20/1 for the Oaks and 25/1 for next year's English 1000 Guineas.

Commenting on his latest success, the 13th of the season in Britain, Ajtebi said: "I was a bit worried about the draw. I finished third on her in a Group Two last year and she always gives me a good feel.

"At Warwick in the summer she made a noise and I told David to take her back to the stable. I was also concerned about the ground, but she quickened unbelievably today."