Johnny gets the nod!

Bohermeen jockey Johnny Murtagh produced his usual top-class performance to win the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday with the Aidan O'Brien-trained Rip Van Winkle (8/13). O'Brien's three-year-old had to be at his best to hold the late bid of Zacinto in the Group One contest ahead of Delegator in third with Aqlaam last of the four runners. Aqlaam set a fast pace with Rip Van Winkle on his heels and they pulled a few lengths clear of the other two runners. Murtagh and Rip Van Winkle prevailed by a length and a quarter.