Lightning Spear placed in another Gr. 1

Qatar Racing's Lightning Spear finished a gallant third in the Gr. 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.

Lightning Spear finished in the first three in a Gr. 1 for the fourth time when a length third to Here Comes When in the Qatar Sussex Stakes (pictured) at a soggy Goodwood this week. It was another fantastic performance from the 6-year-old son of Pivotal, as he bounced back to the form of his second place in the Lockinge Stakes on his reappearance after low-key efforts at Royal Ascot and Sandown.

Trained by David Simcock, who had enjoyed a big winner the previous afternoon when Breton Rock won the Gr. 2 Qatar Lennox Stakes, Lightning Spear arguably travelled best for most of the way and was probably just in front as the principals went past the furlong marker. Oisin Murphy tried hard to maintain Lightning Spear's advantage in the closing stages but, unfortunately, the pair just found Here Comes When and old rival Ribchester too strong in the shadow of the winning post.

The ground at Goodwood on Wednesday was described as 'soft' officially but 'heavy' by Timeform, which would make it the most testing going Lightning Spear has ever raced on. Lightning Spear won the Gr. 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood late last August, so has that option again (Aug 26 this year), though he clearly deserves to win a race at the highest level and there will obviously be more Gr. 1 events under consideration for him, including overseas.

Qatar Racing also went close to winning a Gr. 3 at Goodwood on Thursday when progressive 3-year-old Melodic Motion was just edged out in the Markel Insurance Fillies' Stakes (Lillie Langtry), beaten two necks into third by Endless Time and Dubka. This was still another improved effort on form for the Ralph Beckett-trained Melodic Motion, who had won handicaps on her previous three starts this year, and the run also proved she's at least as effective over a mile and three quarters as she is over a mile and a half.