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LONDON - Australian trainers return home from another tilt at Royal Ascot in England with their glass not completely full but the racing officials remain delighted with the growing international dimension of the historic meeting.
Seven of the 30 races over the five days fell to horses trained abroad, five from Ireland, one from France and one from Australia.
It was almost two for the Australians, but Takeover Target, a winner at the meeting in 2006 and of the Global Sprint Challenge series in the same year, was edged out in yesterday's Golden Jubilee Stakes by Newmarket-trained Soldier's Tale.
The defeat did not faze Takeover Target's ex-taxi driver trainer Joe Janiak, who told reporters: "It's been a great trip and I'm really glad that we came, and the hospitality has been great."
Janiak suggested the 8-year-old's travelling days may be over and he would be retired at the end of next year.
But he did add: "If the horse is up to it I would be more than glad to be here to Ascot again."
Top Melbourne trainer Lee Freedman also refused to be downcast, despite the defeat of 2-1 favourite Miss Andretti, who on Wednesday stormed to victory in the group two King's Stand Stakes (about 1000m).
The 6-year-old mare could do no better than 15th of 21 yesterday, probably less happy on a surface softened by heavy showers.
Said Freedman: "We are counting the week as a big success.
"The fact we did not get everything our way is neither here nor there."
Golden Jubilee winner Soldier's Tale is more than ever the apple of the eye of trainer Jeremy Noseda.
He said of the 6-year-old: "He had problems with his knees as a 2-year-old then I thought he'd win at Ascot at three but he fractured a leg and had to have five or six screws in.
"He then had colic surgery and spent three months at the equine hospital when he was minutes away from being put down."
There was a sequel to the race for winning jockey Johnny Murtagh who was suspended for six days for misuse of the whip.
Earlier, Irish compatriot Mick Kinane was barred for four days for a similar offence. On Wednesday, classic-winning pilot Frankie Dettori was suspended for seven days, also for whip offences.
The bans have raised again the notion that as well as a suspension, the rider's horse should be disqualified since victory was arguably achieved by unfair means.
Top riding honours at the meeting went to Jimmy Fortune. He had five winners. Ireland's Aidan O'Brien headed the trainers' list with four wins.
- REUTERS
