Australian representative Criterion has finished out of the money in the Juddmonte International with Arabian Queen causing a major upset by beating Golden Horn in the feature at York.
The 50-1 shot answered everything asked of her by jockey Silvestre de Sousa to claim a shock victory in the Group One event and bring to an end the unbeaten run of the John Gosden-trained colt.
Having raced prominently throughout, Arabian Queen hit the front well over two furlongs (400m) out, just as Golden Horn, who was being closely tracked by The Grey Gatsby, began to make his move.
Although Frankie Dettori had to get serious aboard the 4-9 favourite it looked like he would wear the filly down.
But as Golden Horn ranged up to Arabian Queen, she was not to be denied, finding just enough to stick her head out in front where it mattered and score by a neck.
Both Dettori and Gosden felt Golden Horn had raced too keenly and found his turn of foot blunted by the rain-affected ground, which had led to the withdrawal of dual 2000 Guineas winner Gleneagles.
“Golden Horn was too fresh and keen and he did too much, too early,” Gosden said.
“Frankie found it hard to settle him for the first six furlongs and he gassed himself out.
“He got in front, but I think we know now he’s definitely better on faster ground and the filly just outstayed him.
“You could see he was throwing his head about and he simply burnt too much petrol.”
Arabian Queen’s trainer David Elsworth said Arabian Queen proved her fighting qualities.
“She’s a filly of the highest class. She’s tenacious and loves to battle,” he said.
“If we hadn’t turned up today, they would be hailing the favourite as the best horse since Frankel.
“She’s certain to stay further, her dam won over a mile and five furlongs (2600m).”
Criterion finished sixth of the seven runners and will now enter quarantine ahead of his return to Australia.
