With a star-studded field assembled at Ascot on Saturday, the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth (G1) promised to be the race of the season so far – and likely one of the finest editions in the race’s richly embroidered history. A titanic tussle down the straight only enhanced the idea.

Last year’s Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (G1) hero Shahryar captured his debut on the international stage in Saturday’s $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at Meydan.

Three Group 1 races and a Group 2, with prizemoney ranging from $1 million to $6 million, highlight a strong turf card on Dubai World Cup Day.

Saturday’s final day of Royal Ascot features three Group races, with the Diamond Jubilee S. (G1) the main attraction. The six-furlong prize is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, offering a fees-paid spot in the Turf Sprint (G1) at Del Mar.