The Gurkha exacts revenge on Galileo Gold in thriller

The narrative demanded a rip-roaring sequel and the first-ever Sussex Stakes clash involving the winners of the 2,000 Guineas and its Irish and French equivalents delivered an explosive climax in which the The Gurkha avenged his Royal Ascot defeat to Galileo Gold.

One down on the Newmarket Classic winner after the St James's Palace Stakes, in which he was too far back to land a blow, The Gurkha was able to slipstream his rival and pounce late to snatch a neck victory in the £1 million showdown. Now for a decider.

Without anything else prepared to go on, Frankie Dettori tried to win the race from the front on Galileo Gold, but with The Gurkha, under a hobbling Ryan Moore, racing both prominently and kindly he was a sitting duck for the 11-8 favourite.