Adayar emulated a select group of outstanding colts to win both the Derby and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes with a superb display in the midsummer highlight at Ascot, UK, on Saturday, 24 July.

The homebred son of Frankel became the 14th horse to complete the Epsom-Ascot G1 double in the same season, adding his name to an illustrious list that includes Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Shergar, Nashwan, Generous, Lammtarra and his own grandsire Galileo.

Adayar disputed the early running with Irish Derby runner-up Lone Eagle, the only other three-year-old in the 12-furlong highlight, until Broome recovered from a slow start to lead the five-strong field after the first two furlongs.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt continued to race keenly alongside Lone Eagle before settling better in a clear second as the field passed Swinley Bottom with a mile to race.

Adayar closed in on Broome turning for home and the Godolphin contender took up the running under William Buick approaching the final quarter-mile.

Dubai Sheema Classic winner Mishriff laid down a stern challenge a furlong and a half out but Adayar responded gamely before powering clear inside the final furlong for a length and three-quarter success, with the same margin back to Love in third.

Hugh Anderson, Godolphin Managing Director (UK and Dubai) said: “I am absolutely delighted and I think this season couldn’t be improved upon. It looked like a very decisive win by an Epsom Derby winner and it’s fantastic with Hurricane Lane as well this year.

“Credit to Charlie, his team and of course His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. We haven’t won this race for a long time and that was a brilliant performance.”

Charlie Appleby said: “We are delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, everyone at Moulton Paddocks and team Godolphin. I didn’t expect to be out of the first three going into to race because of the three-year-old weight allowance and I also felt that Adayar was a very good horse.

“Adayar has defied history by becoming the first horse since Galileo to win the Derby and this race and it’s fitting that his grandson has managed the feat. I would imagine that we will work backwards from the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with him now.

“As things stand at this moment, I would say that Hurricane Lane would more likely go down the St Leger/Arc route and Adayar will potentially go for the Prix Niel before the Arc itself.

“It’s fantastic for everybody – it’s fantastic for His Highness and fantastic for racing. We are all looking for that star horse, the next Enable or Frankel. Hopefully, Adayar or Hurricane Lane can pick up that mantle and carry the flag.”

William Buick said: “I am very fortunate to ride these horses and Adayar is a great horse. He was a great Derby winner and he just gives you the feeling of endless power. It’s a privilege to be able to ride him because these horses don’t come around very often.

“Charlie had conversations with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and they were adamant that the quicker ground today wasn’t an issue for him. Good horses can adapt and that is exactly what this horse is.

“It was a very simple race to ride once he dropped his head when we turned into Swinley Bottom. When I picked him up, the response was instant and he was relentless to the line.

“Sheikh Mohammed has given me the opportunity to ride these horses and to work for Godolphin. I will be forever grateful for that. Charlie Appleby is obviously having a fantastic season and I am the lucky one who rides these horses.”

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