Murtagh confident of Ascot success

Johnny Murtagh believes Rip Van Winkle can give him a belated first success in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, sponsored by Sony, at Ascot tomorrow.

The Irish ace has gone close in this mile feature on several occasions, including 12 months ago when he was second to Raven's Pass on Henrythenavigator, but is confident of a big run from the Sussex Stakes winner.

‘I've not won the race, but I've been unlucky a few times. I was second on Ridgewood Pearl and second on Henrythenavigator, but I'm hoping tomorrow I'm going to win it. I think tomorrow will be my first one,’ said Murtagh.

‘I've always loved this horse. I sat on him the other morning, he's in good shape and the ground will be perfect.

‘It was a great performance at Goodwood the last day and he's done well since.

‘It looks a straightforward race. There's only a few runners and everybody knows what the others are going to do.

‘They are the best around. My horse is the favourite and the bookies don't usually get it wrong.’