Horse Racing: Rhododendron finally prevails to win Lockinge Stakes

Rhododendron, who was more often the bridesmaid than the bride when it really mattered in 2017, set the standard for older milers this season when she bravely held on by a short-head to win the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

When she burst a blood vessel in the French Oaks almost a year ago, Aidan O'Brien thought her racing days might be over but, based on Saturday's effort, the best might be still to come after she hung on from Lightning Spear, runner-up in the race for the second year in succession. The pair were two-and-three-quarter lengths clear of another O'Brien runner, Lancaster Bomber, in third.

The filly Rhododendron, who was runner-up in the Guineas, Oaks and Breeders' Cup last year, tracked her stable companion Deauville through the race, but when Ryan Moore began to get earnest with her two out it was Lightning Spear who emerged out of the pack as the main challenger.

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Because they were wide apart from each other they were simultaneously locked in battle and yet running their own races.

"I'm delighted," said O'Brien. "We though Deauville would go on and he'll come on for that. We also thought because it was her first race over a mile since the Guineas she would move up from whatever she did today. The 'lads' - the owners - have been unbelievably patient which has made it easy for us and now we'll go to Ascot but I'm not sure whether we go a mile (Queen Anne) or a mile and a quarter (Prince of Wales)."

The trainer, whose only previous winner of the Lockinge was Hawk Wing 15 years ago, added: "When she was fourth (behind Cracksman in France first time out) they always appeared to be going a step slower than she wanted. When she burst a blood vessel there last year it was the worst you've ever seen. She sprayed blood everywhere. We put it down to a very hot day and she's never done it before or since but they very rarely come back from something like that."

A week after winning his first Classic - the French 1,000 Guineas with Teppal - David Simcock was inches away from going one better than last year with Lightning Spear. "I'm very proud of the horse," he said of the seven-year-old. "He runs well fresh and this race suits him. It proves he retains all his old ability, although I'm gutted he hasn't won."

Mark Johnston saddled the first and second Communique and Poet's Prince in the London Gold Cup, a race with a terrific record for producing good horses. The winner, a maiden until Saturday, albeit a good one, is likely to head to Ascot for the George V Handicap.