Laurens ready to claim revenge for Karl Burke at Royal Ascot

Winner: Mustashry and Jim Crowley lead the field home to win The Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes.

The first two are due to clash again in the Queen Anne Stakes, the opening race of Royal Ascot, after Mustashry provided Sir Michael Stoute with a record eighth win in this race.

Owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, the six-year-old travelled in the slipstream of Laurens who was, as always, dictating matters under PJ McDonald in a race that saw the filly taking on colts.

But Mustashry got on top just inside the final furlong and pulled clear to win by two and a half lengths with Accidental Agent - last year’s Queen Anne winner - staying on well to claim third place.

Both Burke and McDonald had warned beforehand that Laurens, owned by John Dance, would improve for her seasonal debut - just as she did 12 months ago when finishing second in the 1000 Guineas.

McDonald said his horse was “tired” in the latter stages of the contest while Leyburn-based Burke added: “I was delighted with her run, she lost her lead, but then in the last 50 yards got her second wind and stayed on again, so I’m sure there’s some improvement in her.

“She will go for the Queen Anne next and it will be fillies’ only (races) after that.”

As for Stoute - who enjoyed a big-race treble on the day with wins also for the smart pair of Crystal Ocean and Queen Power - he said of the victor: “We knew this horse was in very good shape and I have to confess that it’s Jade (Ransley) who has made this horse - she rides him and has looked after him from the very start.

“He’s had his niggles, but I’ve never had him better than today.

“The Queen Anne is the race that comes to my mind, while remembering he is versatile and has won over a mile and a quarter.

“But I think the Queen Anne is what Sheikh Hamdan wants.”

Headman looked a horse with Group potential when successfully giving weight all round in the London Gold Cup - champion apprentice Jason Watson’s biggest win since teaming up with former Derby-winning trainer Roger Charlton.

Former North Yorkshire jockey Phil Makin saddled his first winner as a trainer when Scuzeme won the finale at Thirsk under Sam James.

There was some cheer for Leeds United fans after Bielsa - owned by Highbank Stud - won at Doncaster for Hambleton trainer Kevin Ryan and jockey Kevin Stott.

The horse, named in recognition of Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa, is unbeaten in two starts and looking for promotion up racing’s ranks.