Champions Day 2019: Donjuan Triumphant and Silvestre De Sousa strike poignant victory in Champions Sprint

DONJUAN TRIUMPHANT proved he’s the Godfather of slow going with a last-gasp victory in the Champions Sprint.

Silvestre De Sousa had to be at his strongest to urge the six-year-old’s head in front right at the death.

The victory gave owners King Power Racing’s famous blue and white silks their first Group 1 win, less than two years after the tragic death of syndicate boss Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

However, it wasn't all rosy.

Punters were left in ruins as well-backed favourite One Master came with a withering run to take up the lead inside the final furlong – only for Andrew Balding’s 33-1 shot to chin her on the line.  

In a race of changing fortunes, Hello Youmzain, Make A Challenge, Brando and Forever In Dreams all swapped the lead between them, and it appeared progressive Irish raider Make A Challenge had done enough – only for his stamina to give out at the most cruical moment.

In the end it was left to the mud-lovers to fight out the finish, and Donjuan Triumphant’s stamina-laden legs were that little bit too strong.

One Master (4-1jf) clung on for second, with Forever In Dreams (66-1) running a blinder in third.

Winning jockey Silvestre De Sousa said: "It was a rough race.

"We had a great draw and we went a good gallop.

"I didn't want to commit too soon and it paid off. The ground is very testing and he really enjoyed it out there.

"I want to ride big Group winners. It's amazing for King Power. It's very special."

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