Tue Jun 19 16:57:33 2007

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George Washington fourth in return at Royal Ascot

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Ascot, England (Sports Network) - The opening day of the 2007 Royal Ascot meet drew additional attention with the return to racing of champion three-year-old George Washington. Now a four-year-old, George Washington has been in training after fertility problems ended his career as a stallion.

George Washington, owned by Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier and Derrick Smith, came back with a fourth place finish in Tuesday's Queen Anne Stakes. He was ridden by Michael Kinane for trainer Aidan O'Brien.

Breaking from post two, George Washington settled into the middle of the eight horse field behind the pacesetter Ramonti in the one-mile race. George Washington, the even-money favorite, made a late run at the leader to finish a neck back in fourth.

Ramonti, ridden by Frankie Dettori, won the Queen Anne Stakes followed by Jeremy and Turtle Bowl. Ramonti was the 4-1 second choice at post-time.

George Washington was bred by Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who also bred and raced 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. George Washington closed 2006 with a sixth place finish to Invasor in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Last year he won the English Thousand Guineas and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. He was retired to Coolmore until fertility problems forced his return to training.