Gesture cruelly denied first top-grade victory

Overcoming the widest draw, she was chased up by jockey Jamie Spencer to get a good early position and tracked the 2014 winner, Euro Charline, down the back stretch. Euro Charline held her lead coming around the final bend, but, under a strong drive by Spencer, Secret Gesture went to the lead and took a length advantage with a furlong to run.

She held her rivals from that point, but was being closed down by last year's runner-up Stephanie's Kitten as they approached the line.

Both fillies drifted to their right, and Spencer switched his whip to correct Secret Gesture, but at the same time Irad Ortiz, riding Stephanie's Kitten, stood up in his irons - making a statement that he felt his filly was impeded - and in doing so lost second spot on the line to Watsdachances. Ortiz then objected and a stewards' inquiry was held, at which Secret Gesture was demoted to third place.

Watsdachances, ridden by Joe Bravo, was awarded first prize, while Stephanie's Kitten was given the second spot, completing a one-two for trainer Chad Brown.

On a brighter note for the team behind Qatar Racing and Qatar Bloodstock, stallion Makfi was responsible for another Stakes winner in the shape of Maimara, who won Deauville's Gr.3 Prix De Lieurey by two lengths.

Trained by Mikel Delzangles for owner Alain Louis-Dreyfus, the three-year-old was following up a recent Listed victory.