Modern Games shows fighting spirit with second in G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

Modern Games displayed an abundance of courage as he filled the runner-up spot on ground softer than ideal in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot, Saturday, 15 October.

The three-time G1 winner disputed second with El Drama initially before being taken back to a clear third by William Buick after a furlong and a half, with Jadoomi setting a sedate early gallop.

Modern Games pressed for second as the front trio established a healthy advantage over the rest of the field passing the two-furlong pole.

The Charlie Appley-trained colt continued to battle for second until getting the better of El Drama half a furlong out, only for Bayside Boy to flash home towards the far rail and hit the front in the closing strides.

Modern Games saw out the mile well, pipping Jadoomi for second on the line and finishing a length and a quarter behind Bayside Boy.

Charlie Appleby said: "William [Buick] just said that Modern Games is tough as teak but just couldn't get his feet out of the ground, unfortunately. He felt that, if the winner had come close to us, it would have been a different race again.

“It's the first time he has encountered ground that soft but he has run a very creditable race and will go to the Breeders' Cup Mile now. He has handled the conditions, it's just not there to suit him. As we know, in Keeneland he might get the same.”