Gr. 1 placing number six for Lightning Spear

Lightning Spear ran another cracker at Gr. 1 level when a close third in the Queen Anne Stakes, the opening race at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Lightning Spear, a dual Gr. 2 winner, finished in the first three in a Gr. 1 for the sixth time when beaten just over half a length in the latest Queen Anne.

Lightning Spear had filled the same position in the 2016 renewal won by Tepin, and this effort was just as good on ratings as he was nabbed late on by big-priced pair Accidental Agent and Lord Glitters. Accidental Agent had finished sixth, four places behind Lightning Spear, in the Lockinge on his previous outing.

Lightning Spear's consistency and longevity - he's seven years old - has surely made him one of the most popular Flat horses around, and we just hope he will finally be able to land a much deserved Gr. 1. The win would be completely deserved for those take care of him too, especially Jennie Simcock who rides him at home and adores him.

So on we go to the Sussex Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival on August 1 - he was a close third in the race last year and his two Gr. 2 wins have both come at the track. Fingers crossed!