Owner Sheikh Mohammed completed a double at Leopardstown this evening, when his His Excellency defied top weight to win the Sharon Shannon Big Band Handicap for trainer John Oxx and stable jockey Johnny Murtagh.

The son of King’s Best swished his tail throughout the final furlong but did stay on to hold the challenge of Hangar Five

Afterwards Oxx stated “His Excellency has always shown plenty at home but it has taken a while for the penny to drop.”

“He ran well at Roscommon when he was squeezed at the start. He had a chance today on that run and delivered. He is entered in the July Sales and could have another run before then. He is a fine big, good looking horse.”

Thomas Weekes