Queen Kindly ends long wait for victory with Pontefract triumph

Out of luck since winning the Group Two Lowther Stakes at York last August, the Fahey-trained daughter of Frankel kicked on in the home straight under Tom Eaves.

It proved a wise move as the chasing pack closed in near the finish of the six-furlong feature.

Eartha Kitt grabbed second place, just a head behind at the line, with Classical Times and Raven’s Lady dead-heating for third.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Jaber Abdullah, said: “We’re obviously delighted she won. It was tough for her out in front.

“She’s better as a hold-up filly, but she was running too keen for Tom so he did the right thing and let her bowl along. It worked out well.

“She’s open to all those fillies’ Group races and it was important for her to win as a three-year-old.”

In-form Eaves is due to partner Brando in the Group One 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock next month.

Kevin Ryan’s charge has progressed from winning the Ayr Gold Cup last season to notching the first Group One victory of his career in the Prix Maurice de Gheest last time out under Eaves.

“He’s come out of the race in great form and he’s grand. Haydock is definitely the plan,” said the Hambleton trainer.

Andrea Atzeni already has two St Legers to his name following the wins of Kingston Hill and Simple Verse in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

There is no reason why Defoe cannot add to the tally in the Doncaster Classic next month after landing the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury.

The Roger Varian-trained colt dispensed with older horses in some style as he took his 100 per cent record this season to four.

Wall Of Fire tried to challenge on the inside of Defoe, but the gap closed and Hugo Palmer’s four-year-old had to switch and was three-quarters of a length down at the line. The stewards allowed the result to stand.

Atzeni said: “He’s a gem of a horse. The Leger will be a very good race, but this fellow will go there with a big chance.”