Luca Cumani has celebrated one of the most significant victories of his training career with Postponed in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes run without long-time favourite Golden Horn.

The late defection of Golden Horn because of the soft ground at Ascot robbed the Group One race of much of its gloss but it still served up a thrilling finish with Postponed edging out Golden Horn's John Gosden-trained stablemate Eagle Top by a nose.

"Being the pessimist, I didn't think we had won it," Cumani said.

"I had got my hopes up all the way up the straight but I had thought they robbed us.

"It was a courageous performance and Andrea gave him a wonderful ride.

"Of course I am delighted as I have been second three times in this race.

"I would have thought that the natural progression is the Arc, which is another big challenge taking on Treve, Jack Hobbs and Golden Horn, but he is King George winner so he won't be going back to Catterick."

While the result of the photo-finish may not have gone in his favour, John Gosden was still pleased with the effort of Eagle Top and Romsdal, who finished third.

"Eagle Top run a great race. He was forced wide to come round the Italian horse in the straight which probably cost him," he said.

"He will come back next year to try win it.

"Romsdal also run a lovely race."