Group One Second By Latharnach

Latharnach stayed on well to finish second on his first attempt at Group One level in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, UK, on Tuesday, June 16.

The three-year-old colt, trained by Charlie Appleby, raced last of the five runners under William Buick for much of the contest on the round mile.

Latharnach was still at the rear of the field entering the straight but made good headway to go third with a furlong remaining.

He ran on all the way to the line, taking second from Consort in the closing stages, to go down by two and a half lengths to Gleneagles, who won in 1m 38.86s on good to firm going.

Charlie Appleby said: "We are delighted with the performance.

"We set our stall out that we'd sit out the back and let the race unfold in front of us. Today was a learning curve about what level we can step up to.

"He saw out the mile well there and he's obviously shown a good level of ability, so he's got an array of options.

"We'll let the horse come out of the race and see where we are. When you finish second behind a horse who has won two Guineas [Gleneagles], I'll be happy enough to say that we'll be confident in taking our chances in a Group One again, for sure.

"It would be an easier route if we could avoid Gleneagles, though."

William Buick added: "We have always thought a lot of Latharnach.

"He needed his first run at Newmarket and that was a great run coming back there. He battled and he was up against Gleneagles, who is in a different class, but he was a good second."