ROARING LION SNATCHES VICTORY AT THE POST IN THE ECLIPSE STAKES, GR.1

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Derby winner Masar, was withdrawn just prior to the race and although one of the main stars of the track did not participate in the race, there was no dearth of talent and excitement with Roaring Lion (Kittens Joy) snatching victory from Saxon Warrior by a head. After a ding dong battle in the final stages Roaring Lion had to win the race again in the Stewards room as they felt there was a bit of bumping in the last furlong. The two stalwarts have met on four occasions and the tally stands at two apiece. Hawkbill who won this 2000m race in 2016 set off at the helm of the seven horse field while Roaring lion settled in fifth, before moving to the rear of the field. Saxon Warrior was the first to make his move two furlongs from home. Oisin Murphy also set Roaring Lion alight on the outside. The two fought it out strongly to the line with Roaring Lion appearing to move onto his adversary. The result remained unchanged after the Stewards enquiry. Cliffs Of Moher who had a troubled passage was third 2½ lengths behind his stable mate. This was the third Eclipse success for trainer John Gosden who previously won the race with Golden Horn (2015) and Nathaniel (2012).