Racing:Dylan Thomas underlined his class with an emphatic display in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Partnered by Johnny Murtagh, the Aidan O'Brien-trained 5-4 favourite cruised upsides Maraahel at the two-furlong marker and found a superb turn of foot to shoot clear of the chasing pack.
He passed the post with four lengths in hand of 12-1 chance Youmzain, who in turn had Maraahel three and a half lengths further away in third. O'Brien's other runner Scorpion soon shot into an early lead in the 12-furlong showpiece and set a very sound gallop under Mick Kinane.
But the writing was on the wall for the 2005 St Leger hero soon after he swung into the home straight, as Richard Hills cruised past aboard the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Maraahel.
Murtagh always had the move covered aboard Dylan Thomas, however, and kicked the son of Danehill into a definite lead before the final furlong loomed.
Once he had gained the initiative, the four-year-old kept finding for his partner and powered away to record a most impressive success.
Mick Channon's Youmzain had been asked for his effort on turning in and responded well to chase the winner all the way to the line without ever seriously threatening to get in a decisive blow.
