2012 Sun Chariot Stakes

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Sky Lantern Lights Up Sun Chariot
28/09/13

1 Sky Lantern 7/4F
2 Integral 8/1
3 Duntle 8/1
7 ran Distances: 1l, 2l, 2½l
TIME 1m 38.02s (slow by 2.72s)

Sky Lantern produced a stylish performance on her return to the scene of her Classic success and left Newmarket with another Group One prize in the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes.

Sky Lantern
© Racehorse Photos

The race was billed as a rematch with Elusive Kate, who beat Richard Hannon's star in the Falmouth Stakes in controversial circumstances, but John Gosden's filly ran way below par after holding every chance and again drifting to the left.

It was Integral who gave Sky Lantern the most to think about as she hit the front a furlong out, but the 7-4 favourite once again illustrated her electric turn of foot as she was produced from the rear to win by a length in the hands of a confident Richard Hughes.

The jockey said: "She was very good today and she deserved that. She stumbled once or twice in the race and she was totally asleep, but at the three pole she came alive. My only worry was not getting involved with Elusive Kate again, but luckily enough she drifted just after I quickened."

Hannon's son and assistant, Richard jnr, said: "Fillies like this don't come along very often and when they do, you've got to make the most of them. She's a very special filly being Hughesie's first Classic winner, and we all love her.

"She is very strong and always held her condition very well. She has been on the go since April and held her form. She has never given us a moment's worry. She and Elusive Kate are two great fillies and let's hope their rivalry continues. I still think she'll get a mile and a quarter and we might look at that again next year.

"The owner lives in Hong Kong and that is where he wants to go. Whether we look at something like the QEII at Ascot as well, we'll have to see."

Sir Michael Stoute said of Integral: "I'm delighted, she's progressing well. She won't run again this season but she'll stay on next year."

David Wachman said of the third home Duntle: "She's run a good race, you've got to be happy enough and there are no excuses. It depends what the owners want to do, I'm open to suggestions."

Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes (Fillies' Group 1)
£194,200 added, 3yo plus, 1m, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Good to Firm