Russian Emperor Denies First Receiver in Hampton Court

ASCOT, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND – Lauri Macri & Partners and Coolmore homebred Russian Emperor surged in the final stages to deny First Receiver in Wednesday’s Hampton Court Stakes (G3) on Day 2 of the 2020 Royal Ascot Meet.

Sent away as the 5/2 second choice stateside under Ryan Moore, Russian Emperor took back and settled at the rear along the outside of fellow Aidan O’Brien trainee New World Tapestry. Up front, King Carney set the pace, with Juan Elcano tracking him closest of all.

Juan Elcano moved up two-wide through the turn to challenge for the lead once straightened, but that advantage did not last long. Berlin Tango then took command midway home down the lane and fought hard to keep the 9/5 stateside favorite First Receiver at bay, but the bettors’ choice wore him down in deep stretch.

Russian Emperor emerged onto the scene late under a well-timed ride from Moore, sliding past First Receiver in the final jumps for victory by a 1/2-length. The final time for the 10-furlong event over the good turf was 2:05.86.

“You wouldn’t really give it any thought, would you?” said Moore, who now has 60 wins at Royal Ascot meets. “He is a lovely colt, straightforward and with a good attitude. He was very professional.”

Berlin Tango could not keep pace with the top pair, but he was 3 lengths clear of Juan Elcano in fourth. New World Tapestry, Kenzai Warrior, Mascat, and King Carney completed the order of finish.

A 60th Royal Ascot winner for jockey Ryan Moore as he partners Russian Emperor to victory in the Hampton Court Stakes

By Galileo out of the Australian champion Atlantic Jewel, Russian Emperor looks to be a colt with a big future #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/fgsDdh4f3M

— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 17, 2020

Russian Emperor’s win improved his record to 4-2-1-1, having found his first success in his second career start. The 3-year-old Galileo colt most recently suffered a 1/2-length defeat in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes (G3) at Leopardstown on June 9. 

“He has had the benefit of a couple of runs this year and let us see if he will keep progressing,” Moore said. “I think he will be a nice horse going forward for the rest of the year.”

Russian Emperor brought back $7 to win and $3 to place, First Receiver brought back $2.20 to place, and Berlin Tango paid $3.20 to place.