Henrythenavigator was undoubtedly the equine star of day one of 2008’s Royal Ascot.
Showing his customary turn of foot he beat a high class field with only Ravens Pass offering any sort of challenge, the two finishing well clear of the remainder of the field in a course record time.
Stablemate Minneapolis set the early pace, with the favourite happy to settle second last with only Ravens Pass behind.
Henrythenavigator made his challenge two out, pursued by Ravens Pass who looked as though he may be a serious challenger but the favourite always had his measure.
Trainer Aiden O'Brien said: "We are delighted - he's a really special horse.
"He has speed, stamina, class and he picks up - he has a great attitude and Johnny rode him with so much confidence.
"He's a great horse and I think it's very hard to say that we'll get a better miler than this lad."
Jockey Johnny Murtagh added: "He's a great horse and he's improving all the time.
"He settles down well, he loves fast ground, he travels and he has a super turn of foot.
"I went to change my hands and got them tangled up in his mane a bit but he's such a professional horse, he was gone.
"He's an easy ride and has a great turn of foot."
If Henreythenavigator was the star then the co-star must have been Art Connoisseur who put in a blistering last to first performance to take the Coventry Stakes by 2¼ lengths.
Trainer Michael Bell said: "He's a very smart horse. He was very impressive when he won at the Craven meeting and we took a view after that to wait for Ascot.
"The plan was to run in the Norfolk but to be fair to Jamie, the first time he sat on him he said he could win the Coventry.
If Art Connoisseurs victory in the Coventry was long for a sprint, then by complete contrast the 2½ mile Ascot Stakes produced a finish worthy of a sprint, Missoula, trained by Suzy Smith and ridden by Sam Hitchcott (giving both maiden Royal meeting victories) got the best of a blanket finish from Mamlook, Bukit Tinggi and Som Tala – the first four were separated by a head and two short heads.
Suzy Smith said, “It means so much – this is actually our first winner on the Flat, we are primarily a jumps yard and hardly have any Flat runners.
"I'm delighted for the owners, the horse and everyone in the yard.
"I thought she had a bit of chance. Obviously you never come here thinking you are going to win but I thought we could get in the frame."
The King’s Stand has become an international benefit over the years. With Australian raider Takeover Target, winner two years ago and runner up last year attempting to take the prize again.
Takeover Target again came second beaten this time by Spanish raider Equiano who came with a blistering run on the near side in a race where the field spilt into two.