Loving Dream sprang an 18/1 surprise to give John and Thady Gosden a fourth win of the week in the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes.
Ridden by Robert Havlin in the mile and a half race for three-year-old fillies, Loving Dream was always prominent before making her challenge and kept pulling out extra as the challengers tried, but failed, to go past.
Eshaada (17/2) finished strongly for second, beaten three-quarters of a length, with Nicest (28/1) a further length and three-quarters back in third.
This was a second career success at Royal Ascot for the jockey – his other winner Ardad (2016 Windsor Castle Stakes) sired today’s G2 Norfolk winner Perfect Power.
John Gosden said: “At Lingfield, we were aware that we went too slow [finished 5th in Oaks Trial]. Frankie rode Loving Dream and we said she needs more pace. Robert committed early today and made best use of her stamina.
“Obviously Eshaada came at her late and everyone had a go at it. It didn’t look too rough, everyone had a go, but she’s very game, very honest and it was a wonderful positive ride by Robert, it really was.
“Trevor and Libby [Harris of Lordship Stud], they’re breeders – you go through a lot of agony as breeders, but they they’ve been fantastic for the game, they’ve never given up, and to go and win this race is pretty special.”
Libby Harris said: “It was unbelievable really, the way she battled on, galloped, always quickened when the other horse came to her, she was so game and genuine, it’s just fantastic to see that.
“Rab gave her an absolutely amazing ride – from that draw, it’s unbelievable, and to have a homebred filly, for the stud and all their tireless work, it’s just wonderful.
“We’ve never had a homebred Royal Ascot winner, so that is amazing, and it takes a long time to come. It’s a very, very special moment, it really is.”
Havlin said: “Loving Dream has always been tough, and I thought she’d been a bit overlooked in the market. She was two lengths behind Noon Star at Wetherby. Then in Lingfield she got tight for room – she was only three-quarters of a length behind Divinely and they were single figures in the betting, so we were flying under the radar a bit.
“Loving Dream is a filly that likes to use her stride. I committed to go forward and William Buick (Dubai Fountain) done the same. We went quick down the hill and then she quickened from the four to the three-furlong pole. She then just kept finding and finding – it was a gutsy performance.
“It’s good to get these opportunities and I am very, very grateful.”
Roger Varian said of the runner-up: “Eshaada ran huge – a very good run. I am very proud of the filly, although it’s disappointing when you go close and don’t win, especially at this meeting. She’s a lovely filly for the future. It’s frustrating, but if she stays sound, she’s got big days in her. We’ll take our time; she had a hard race today.
“There are plenty of options, but I suppose, looking long-term, coming back here in October for the Fillies’ and Mares’ race on Champions Day. We know she handles cut in the ground, and it’s nice that she ran so well on this ground as well, so she doesn’t seem ground-dependent.”