Borderlescot (2) striking clear under Kieren Fallon in the King George

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/RacingPostPix.com  

Admirable Borderlescott takes King George Stakes

Report: Goodwood, Thursday

Audi King George Stakes (Group 2) 5f, 3yo+

BORDERLESCOTT was once again in the winner's enclosure as the veteran sprinter came with a thundering dash under Kieren Fallon to score a first success of the season.

Sent off the 9-2 market leader, the eight-year-old is still a potent force in the upper echelons of the sprint ranks and benefitted from a perfectly timed Fallon ride for a third Group success in his career.

With 16 runners, the pace was likely to be searing and the leaders went off at blistering speed, resulting in the majority of the field being hard at work with over two furlongs left.

Moorhouse Lad, Captain Dunne and Amour Propre all showed up prominently, with the eventual winner a few lengths backon the far side.

It appeared as if the main action would unfold down the stands side, with Group Therapy picking up nicely for Ryan Moore against the rail, but over on the other side, Fallon had got Borderlescott into a lovely rhythm, and the pair hit the front inside the final furlong to score.

Group Therapy and Astrophysical Jet were closing down the near side but had to settle for second and third, while Liam Jones ended up on the ground after being unseated from Triple Aspect in the final few yards.

Winning trainer Robin Bastiman said: "He must be getting better with age and Kieren rode him to perfection."

A third tilt at the Coolmore Nunthorpe is now on the plan, but there is the thorny issue of who will get the plum ride, as Neil Callan will be available, having partnered Borderlescott to victory last season.

Bastiman added: "It'sa very awkward question. It's a shame Neil got a one-day ban at Bath in a mickey mouse meeting. Maybe the best thing to do is toss a coin!

"I can't wait for the Nunthorpe, Equiano will give us a lead and he'll run his race as usual - win lose or draw."