Daiquiri keeps rivals at Bay in thrilling Ebor

The Alan King-trained Daiquiri Bay denied the Wathnan Racing-owned Hopewell Rock and Opportunity in a thrilling crescendo to the Ebor Handicap at York

Daiquiri Bay followed up Royal Ascot success with another lucrative victory in the Sky Bet Ebor at York.

While the four-year-old has always been a smart handicapper for Alan King, he has taken his game to another level since being gelded during the off-season, with a comeback win at Newmarket followed by his narrow verdict in the Copper Horse Stakes at the Royal meeting in June.

King had opted to keep his powder dry for the £500,000 feature of the Ebor Festival since and was rewarded in some style, with Rossa Ryan burying his mount in midfield for much of the one-mile-six-furlong journey before making his move shortly after the home turn.

Daiquiri Bay moved stylishly into contention and with the near side rail to help, dug deep in the closing stages to get the better of the Wathnan Racing-owned pair of Hopewell Rock and Opportunity in a thrilling three-way finish.

"We still have plenty of hurdlers and he'd make a nice one, but I don't think I'll suggest that today!

"This has been the plan since Ascot, after that Rossa said to put him away for the Ebor as he had a tough race. He broke the track record at Ascot, so we were able to give him a little break and build him up.

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"His preparation has gone great, the rain came and I almost think he's a better horse on slow ground."

He added: "It's a very special day. We had the favourite back in 2003 with Salsalino, but he only finished third. It's a very special race.