Big Orange has claimed victory in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot after edging past defending champion Order Of St George.
The six-year-old was held on well in the final furlong to win an intriguing battle against the 2016 champion Order of St George.
Big Orange was ridden by James Doyle, who stepped in for the injured Frankie Dettori, to seal the win for trainer Michael Bell.
Doyle revealed he had spoken with Dettori ahead of the race and feels that conversation was key to ensuring Aidan O?Brien was denied an eighth win in the race as Order Of St George missed out by a short head.
“Unfortunately Frankie couldn't have got the injury at a worse time,” said Doyle.
“Frankie's a real star. He called me a couple of nights ago and I was probably on the phone for about 20 minutes getting instructions and him telling me all about the horse. He was spot on.”
