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Shaquille Stands Tall in Commonwealth Cup

Colt overcomes dreadful start to score first group 1 victory.

Shaquille (left) defeats Little Big Bear (middle) to win the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot Racecourse

Shaquille (left) defeats Little Big Bear (middle) to win the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot Racecourse

Mathea Kelley

Shaquille produced a spectacular performance to overcome a dreadful start and land the Commonwealth Cup (G1) June 23 at Royal Ascot.

After rearing at the start and losing several lengths, he was given an ice-cool ride by Oisin Murphy to gradually work his way through the field and gun down favored Little Big Bear in the closing stages to give trainer Julie Camacho a memorable Royal Ascot success.

Julie Camacho (left) after Shaquille (Oisin Murphy) had won the Commonwealth Cup<br>
Ascot 23.6.23 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Photo: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
The winning connections of Shaquille after his Commonwealth Cup victory

Murphy said: "The race was almost over at the start. I had to take a deep breath and hope they had gone too fast up front and would slow down at the end.

"It was a top, top-class performance from the horse. I am thrilled. It's a fantastic feeling."

Camacho, who was recording a breakthrough group 1 win, added: "I felt nervous all day, and a bit sick before the race. I thought Shaquille had blown any chance when the gates opened. He was good, wasn't he?

"It's a massive day for everyone at the stable, and for his owners. I never thought I'd be celebrating a group 1 winner at Royal Ascot."

The Aidan O'Brien-trained heavyweight Little Big Bear, who was backed to almost the exclusion of the rest, broke smartly and was always in the first three.

Shaquille and Oisin Murphy win the G1 Commonwealth Cup, Royal Ascot, Ascot Racecourse UK, 6/23/23, Mathea Kelley
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Shaquille wins the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot Racecourse

It looked like Ryan Moore had produced him with a winning challenge at the furlong pole, but odds-on backers hadn't bargained for the astonishing finale which Shaquille produced to snatch the prize in the final few strides.

Longshot Swingalong was third.

Shaquille, a son of Charm Spirit, paid $19.40 to win in a pari-mutuel wagering pool offered in the United States.

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