July 27 - On Saturday at Ascot Racecourse in England, British colt Harbinger won the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1) by 11 lengths in a record-breaking time, to earn a provisional rating of 142.

As one of the biggest races on Ascot's racing calendar, this year's 1 mile 4 furlong King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes attracted many of Britain's best three-year-olds and up, but they were ultimately no match for Harbinger.

The 4-year-old stayer, trained by top-rated trainer Sir Michael Stoute, delivered what has been described as an 'electric' performance. Under talented jockey Olivier Peslier, Harbinger was kept just off the pace for most of the race.

But then, about two furlongs out, Peslier let Harbinger go and he responded by zooming past the leaders (Irish Derby winner Cape Blanco and Epsom Derby winner Workforce) like they were standing still, to build an 11-length lead.

Ascot racegoers watched in awe as Harbinger crossed the line in a record time of 2:26.78, delivering such a powerful performance that the next day Timeform, an independent racehorse analysis firm, awarded Harbinger the 142 rating.

The provisional rating has hoisted Harbinger to legendary heights, putting him on par with such greats as Brigadier Gerard and Tudor Minstrel, and not far off the best-rated thoroughbred of all time, Sea Bird, who dominated in the 1960s.

Said Kieran Packman of Timeform, 'Such a wide margin of victory at the highest level is obviously very rare. It remains to be seen if Harbinger can repeat such a feat and he won't be adjudged a true 142 horse until the season's over.'

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2011/12/09 12:47:22 AM