Take Cover makes rivals do just that in Goodwood's King George Stakes

Kings Fete wins the Glorious Stakes with Ryan Moore on board / Picture by Clive Bennett

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Trainer David Griffiths was overjoyed at 8/1 chance Take Cover's pillar-to-post victory in the Group 2 Â£300,000 Qatar King George Stakes '“ two years after he won the same race.

The nine-year-old clearly loves this five-furlong contest – the gelding’s two wins in the race have been either side of a runners-up spot last year, when he finished a head behind Muthmir.

It was the highlight of another absorbing day on the Downs - and one when better-performing favourites meant the bookies were also taking cover.

Unlike Ladies’ Day, the rain stayed away and another huge crowd lapped up the action, which included four Group races and the £150,000 Betfred Mile.

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In the King George, the son of Singspiel had a host of horses queuing up to challenge him as the field thundered towards the winning line – but he stuck his neck out well to record a famous neck victory.

Griffiths couldn’t quite believe how much his horse loves Goodwood after the race. “It’s unbelievable - he loves it here,” said the trainer. “I am almost speechless. Take Cover is still as good as ever at nine.

“He is obviously a bit mad although he has calmed down a lot as he has got older. On the track now we seem to have it spot on now with the blind off as soon the gates open. After the Nunthorpe debacle, we had to do something a bit different.

“I am over the moon today. We came in with as much confidence as you can have in a Group 2. I thought he was in really good form.

“To the owners, staff and everyone involved it is just one of those amazing days.

“The first win (in the Qatar King George Stakes in 2014) was amazing and his defeat last year was a bit gutting but he’s come right back to his best here. The ground is lovely and quick.

“Someone called me yesterday saying ‘it’s absolutely hammering down at Goodwood’ and I thought our chance may have gone. I think it was the fog though and they’d got confused!”