QUEEN ANNE STAKES

(GROUP 1)

THERE was a major surprise on the first day as Accidental Agent, turning recent Newbury Lockinge Stakes form on its head, took the opening Queen Anne Stakes at 33/1. He became a first Group 1 and first Royal Ascot winner for both trainer Eve Johnson Houghton and jockey Charlie Bishop.

The market leaders, Benbatl and Rhododendron, both finished unplaced, though the latter chased stable-companion Deauville for much of the way and Benbatl hit the front at one stage. The luckless Lightning Spear, beaten on the nod by Rhododendron in the Lockinge, seemed to have timed it perfectly this time and came to win his race, only to be headed close home by the fast-finishing winner and Lord Glitters. Recent Epsom winner Century Dream was right behind in fourth.

LAYERS

It was a perfect start for the layers, the form-book showing that Accidental Agent had finished only sixth in the Lockinge at 66/1. However, his trainer, whose father Fulke trained 10 Royal Ascot winners between 1965 and 1988, was confident she had him in perfect shape.

“I still can’t believe it!” she exclaimed. I haven’t slept for two nights though I did dream he’d finish third. My mum Gaie bred him but no one wanted him and we got him back for eight grand. I had a little bit on at 50/1 to pay for the party, so come on!”

Bishop, best known for riding winners for Mick Channon around the country, has put in morning stints at Johnson Houghton’s for several years, even though she never promised him rides.

“I never dreamt I could come this far but I kept working away and hoping for the best,” he said. “I thought at the furlong pole that we might be placed and then he quickened up again. Eve has done a wonderful job with him.”

Bill Mott’s Yoshida finished a highly creditable fifth and there was sympathy for David Simcock, whose Lightning Spear cannot quite do it at Group 1 level. He will no doubt have another chance in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.