'We enjoyed the last furlong when he had a cheeky look around' - Royal Dress delivers Listed success for James Tate

Royal Dress proved the star of the show by winning the Listed Weatherbys Hamilton Pipalong Stakes by an impressive three-and-a-quarter lengths.

The five-year-old picked up really well under Clifford Lee and cruised past her nine rivals, who were led home by Cheshire Dancer.

It was a fourth winner in eight days for trainer James Tate, who told Racing TV: “We took the hood off, which worked last week with Cloud Cover and it’s worked again today.”

Tate and Lee have formed a good partnership this year, with the jockey notching 11 winners from 35 rides, and the trainer was full of praise.

He said: “We always do well together and he gave her a great ride. He made all the right decisions – taking her back early because they were going a good gallop, then angling wide rather than riding for luck as he felt he was on the best horse. We enjoyed the last furlong when he had a cheeky look around.”

Already a Group 3 winner, Royal Dress is among the entries for the Group 1 Visit Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood this month.

Tate added: “Do we try to win a Group 2 or 3, or do we go for an each-way run in one of the big races? If she were to finish in the top three, it would be worth it for the value – she’s a well-bred future broodmare.”

Silver Sprint Trophy triumph

Aleezdancer returned to form for trainer Kevin Ryan in the 6f handicap. Kevin Stott adopted front-running tactics on the 11-1 shot and ended his six-race losing streak dating to last spring.

Subscribe to Racing Post + Ultimate now