'He's been knocking on the door all year' - cards finally fall right for Carrytheone as Soumillon gains more glory in Balmoral

The curtain-closer on Champions Day went the way of Michael Bell after Carrytheone powered home to win the Balmoral Handicap.

The 14-1 shot came home down the centre of the track under Christophe Soumillon to hit the front a furlong from home, forging past favourite Thunder Run and Lattam to win by two lengths.

Witch Hunter, who was making his return to handicap company for the first time since winning the Buckingham Palace Stakes last year, flew home late to pip Thunder Run for third, but Carrytheone was already home clear, securing a third success this year for owner Stuart Mizon.

"He's been knocking on the door all year and was a little bit unlucky here two weeks ago," Mizon said. 

"This is absolutely fantastic, he had a clear passage and Christophe gave him a great ride."

The result was a welcome change of fortunes for Soumillon, who claimed the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes here in July but was well beaten in all five previous rides during the afternoon, including on Continuous in the Champion Stakes.

The jockey said: "He didn't jump so well so I was last in the first part of the race. I had to make sure I wasn't going to make him unlucky again so I just brought him out coming to the stands' side and he made a great effort, because it's not easy to come out so early.

"When I hit the front he kept going to the end, so he's a very generous horse. I'm so happy, it's always very difficult to win these kinds of races and I finished with a good win on a big day."

Read all our Champions Day reports:

'He's just an unbelievably classy horse' - Kyprios makes it seven from seven this season with comfortable Long Distance Cup win 

'This family has done us tremendously well' - Kind Of Blue gives James Fanshawe third Champions Sprint 

'Maybe next year we can think about the Arc' - Kalpana continues her progression with Group 1 win 

'He's shown he's a true champion' - Charyn confirms his class after seeing off Facteur Cheval in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes 

'I put my binoculars down halfway up the straight and thought we had no chance' - Anmaat flies home to land 40-1 Champion Stakes shock 

'He's been knocking on the door all year' - cards finally fall right for Carrytheone as Soumillon gains more glory in Balmoral 

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