Superb run by Arod in Lockinge

The Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained four-year-old (pictured under Andrea Atzeni) could not go with the winner, Night Of Thunder, at the furlong pole, and was then passed by runner-up Toormore who had a smooth run wide of the field. Arod ran on strongly, however, and crossed the line a neck and three-quarters of a length behind the first two, and ahead of fourth-placed Integral, a dual Group One winner. Sixteen lined up, although Qatar Racing's Trade Storm was lame this morning and did not run.

Arod (second right) finishes a close third to Night Of Thunder (right) and Toormore (left)

This was Arod's first run at a mile since his two-year-old debut - since then he has finished fourth over a mile and a half in the Investec Derby, but produced a tip-top effort today when showing his versatility. He holds two entries at Royal Ascot, in the Queen Anne Stakes over a mile, and the Prince of Wales's Stakes over ten furlongs.

Night Of Thunder was having his first run for Godolphin in today's race, having been transferred from the ownership of Saeed Manana. His victory paid another compliment to Qatar Bloodstock stallion Charm Spirit, who now stands at Tweenhills Farm and Stud, but who beat him fair and square in last year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, sponsored by QIPCO, on British Champions Day at Ascot.

Photography by Laurence Squire