Delaware: Royal Bench ends long losing streak by taking Cape Henlopen

Royal Bench ended a 14-race losing streak that lasted nearly three years when he ran down pacesetter Unbroken in deep stretch to win Wednesday’s $50,375 Cape Henlopen Stakes at Delaware Park.

It was the first victory for the Irish-bred Royal Bench ($13.20) since he won a Group 2 stakes in France in October 2010. After a runner-up finish in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile that December, Royal Bench went 0 for 6 in 2011, 0 for 4 in 2012, and was 0 for 3 in his first three starts since he began racing in the United States this June.

Ridden by Abel Castellano Jr. for trainer Tom Voss and Merriefield Farm, Royal Bench prevailed by a neck after completing 1 1/2 miles on firm turf in 2:33.09. Unbroken, coming off a win in a second-level optional $35,000 claimer, was a length clear of third-place finisher School House. Harrods Creek finished fourth as the 6-5 favorite.