Lord Shanakill was made to work hard for his success in the Group 2 Betfair Cup, taking his Group-race tally to three.

Tom Queally's mount, sent off at 13-2, was delivered to win his race at the three pole, slowly grinding down 7-2 favourite Dalghar, who raced prominently and stayed on for third.

The Henry Cecil-trained winner overhauled the French raider and then battled gamely to repel a late challenge from the fast-finishing Cat Junior under Jamie Spencer by a head.

Speaking after the race, Mike Marshall, assistant to winning trainer Henry Cecil, said: "He really deserved that, the confidence booster we gave him at Chester last time did just the trick.

"He's done everything right since and looked a picture today. He came here in terrific form and we'd have been disappointed if he was not in the shake up."

Queally added: "It's good to get his head in front in what looked like a really decent affair. He's entitled to another crack at the top level, but that's not for me to say."

The son of Speightstown was bred by Vimal and Gill Khosla, British-based owner-breeders whose familiar blue, grey and yellow silks have been carried with distinction by Mac Love, Royal Destination and Tournedos, in partnership with Caroline Green, owner of Templeton Stud.

Lord Shanakill, bred by Gillian and Vimal Khosla and Templeton stud, was sent off the 8-13 favourite. He easily justified his short price with a drop in class when defeating Dunelight in the City Plate on 10th July.

The four-year-old, who started this season for new trainer Henry Cecil with a third-place finish in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, was running in Listed company for the first time - having been campaigned extensively at Pattern level - and his class told through the final furlong as Tom Queally pushed his mount out for a first victory since last season's Prix Jean Prat.

Georgebernardshaw was the last to break as the field left the stalls, and it was left to Dunelight and Bow Beaver to contest the lead.

The former eventually got the better of the argument, with Bow Beaver bustled along fairly early before dropping away turning for home. Read more...

This years July festival has proved a huge success for our Turkish friends Araci family thanks to their recent Tattersalls Craven breeze-up purchase Native Khan, who scored at his first outing.

First-time-out juvenile winners for Ed Dunlop are something of a rarity, so the prospects for Native Khan are already looking rosy after his victory in the EBF Maiden Stakes at Newmarket.

The grey Azamour colt was always prominent under Kieren Fallon and showed a really willing attitude when asked to win his race.

The Godolphin pair of Baransky and Bowermaster, also in the front rank throughout, filled the minor places three and a quarter lengths and a length adrift respectively.

Dunlop said: "He's done that very well but as for future plans, I don't know.

Gazi Derby, the most prestigious race in Turkish racing calendar, has been run since 1927. It is a race that commemorates Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic and a keen supporter of horse racing. One of the Leaders most quoted expressions was that “horse racing is a social need for modern societies.” Therefore it was an immense pleasure for the representatives of Templeton Stud to witness the 84th renewal of the race on June 28th.

We would like to say many thanks to the Turkish Jockey Club for their exceptional hospitality. During the weekend all international guests had the opportunity to visit Karacabey Stud farm and Izmit Stallion Station and were treated with sumptuous dinners and lunches. It was also a great occasion to catch up with delegates from other countries, especially our good friend Azedine Sedrati from Morocco.

Besides the official program, Caroline Green enjoyed a very warm welcome at the stud farm of Araci’s – invaluable Templeton supporters for almost two years.