ASCOT, England -- Yeats held off a late charge by
Geordieland and won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on Thursday for the
second year in a row.
The 6-year-old horse trained by Aidan O'Brien took the lead with
about 500 yards to go, then withstood Geordieland's bid in the
final 60 yards to win by 1½ lengths.
A year ago, Yeats cruised to a four-length win in the 2½-mile
Gold Cup, considered the showcase event at the Royal Ascot meeting.
This time, the 8-13 favorite was tested before prevailing in a
14-horse field.
Yeats, ridden by Mick Kinane, came into the race off two
victories in Ireland in 1}-mile races.
Geordieland, a 12-1 shot, was ridden by Jamie Spencer.
Yeats may try again in the two-mile Melbourne Cup in November, a
year after he faded badly in last year's event. O'Brien said the
race will be considered. A shot at next year's Gold Cup is
possible, too.
"All those races are open to him, but it will be discussed with
the owners," O'Brien said. "We would love to come back and win
for a third time. Hopefully, we will be here."
Kinane said that the Melbourne Cup handicappers might be tough
on Yeats.
Le Miracle, a 50-1 shot, finished third.