18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

AGA KHAN LANDS ROYAL ASCOT TREBLE

The Aga Khan emerged triumphant at another high-profile meeting as he secured a 285-1 treble with Kalanisi, Dalampour and Katiykha at Royal Ascot today.

But the victories would have rubbed salt into the wounds of the absent Luca Cumani who trained all three horses last season before being sacked by the owner.

Kalanisi and Dalampour are now in the care of Sir Michael Stoute while Katiyhka is trained in Ireland by John Oxx.

'This is a day not to forget and not to expect,' said the owner-breeder. 'The horse I was most focused on was Dalampour but they've all done us proud.'

The victories were continuing a successful spell for the Aga Khan, who earlier in the month landed the Vodafone Derby with Sinndar.

The owner has plenty more to look forward to this week, beginning with Sendawar taking on Godolphin superstar Dubai Millennium in tomorrow's Prince of Wales's Stakes.

Then on Thursday Enzeli bids to win the Gold Cup for the second year running.

'I'm sure Sendawar will run a big race as long as we don't get deep ground,' said the Aga. 'It should be interesting as neither he nor Dubai Millennium have been seriously tried at the distance.'

Kalanisi, ridden by Kieren Fallon, came from the back of the field to lead inside the final furlong of the Queen Anne Stakes.

The race proved to be disappointing for Godolphin who had fielded the favourite Aljabr as they tried to land the Group Two event for the fifth year in a row.

Kalanisi did not look a likely winner in the early stages as he was scrubbed along in the rear.

Godolphin's Muhtathir forced the pace for his better-fancied stablemate and Aljabr struck the front two furlongs out.

But Aljabr was soon swallowed up and trailed in fourth as Kalanisi forced his way to the front to defeat Dansili by half a length with a short-head back to Swallow Flight.

Fallon said: 'They went very quick and my horse ran lazily in the early stages but he warmed to his task as the race went on.

'I think mine needs further now but when I picked up two out I always thought I'd be there.'

Stoute is ready to step up Kalanisi in distance with possible targets being the Budweiser International (nine furlongs) at the Curragh on July 2 and York's International Stakes.

'He is a very effective miler and indicated today and last time at Windsor that he might be even more effective over further,' he said.

Aljabr is likely to seek compensation in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood at the end of next month.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: 'It's disappointing that he didn't find anything when asked the question.'

Dalampour won in some style, stretching clear to thump Dutch Harrier by four lengths in the Queen's Vase to complete a double for Stoute and Fallon.

'I'm fortunate to have some decent horses at present,' said the Aga Khan. 'Like Kalanisi this one is improving well.

'I was especially interested in this one as he is a half-brother to Daliapour.'

The owner's fabulous day was rounded off in style when Sinndar's jockey and trainer Johnny Murtagh and John Oxx combined to land the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap with Katiyhka.

Mick Channon was hoping CD Europe's defeat of Bram Stoker in the Coventry Stakes was a good omen for England ahead of their clash with Romania in Euro 2000.

'There's a bit of Romanian link in the name of Bram Stoker so let's hope this is the first of two victories over them today,' said the England international-turned-trainer.

Bram Stoker looked all over the winner as he swept smoothly ahead with two furlongs to travel.

But he had bitten off more than he could chew in the final 100 yards and was reeled in by CD Europe, ridden by Steve Drowne, and beaten half a length.

'It could be that Bram Stoker didn't get the trip,' said Channon. 'I must admit I had my reservations about my horse but Steve has always rated him very highly.' -PA