25/1 RITE OF PASSAGE TO MAKE HISTORY WITH DUAL-PURPOSE GOLD CUPS
Rite of Passage has been installed by William Hill as a 25-1 chance to become the first horse to win Flat, and National Hunt Gold Cups following his victory at Ascot this afternoon.

Punters were caught unawares when Dermot Weld’s dual-purpose gelding Rite of Passage showed his stamina capabilities over the testing 2m4f trip, by just holding off Aidan O Brien’s Age of Aquarius at odds of 20-1 with William Hill.
After storming home in track-record breaking time, Hills have installed the Irish trained-stayer at odds of 5-1 for a repeat victory next year, and installed him as a 10-1 shot to triumph in the Melbourne Cup later this year.
It could be a third possibly victory for handler Dermot Weld who became the first European trainer to take Australia’s iconic race when winning with Vintage Crop in 1993. The Curragh trainer also followed-up with a win by Media Puzzle in 2002.
Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill: “We were looking for a new staying champion, and it came in an unlikely form of Rite of Passage. A top-class performer over hurdles, he has now become one in both codes. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that we witness a dual Cheltenham, and Ascot Gold Cup winner if he ever takes up chasing.’’
Saeed bin Suroor landed back-to-back victories in the Ribblesdale Stakes when Hibaayeb (4-1 joint-favourite) ran out an impressive winner in the hands of Frankie Dettori at Royal Ascot.
Barry and Michael Hills were back in the Royal Ascot winners’ enclosure after the victory of Ransom Note (9-1) in the Britannia Stakes. Approve dented a couple of lofty reputations when battling to success in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.












