Regal Reality puts best foot forward to make it ten Brigadier Gerards for Stoute

Regal Reality looked more likely to be withdrawn with his pre-race antics than win the Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes before giving Sir Michael Stoute a hat-trick and a tenth win in the Group 3 feature.

The four-year-old, who looked likely to refuse to go to the start when digging his toes in at the end of the walkway, was foot perfect in the race under Ryan Moore, who bided his time before sweeping past Matterhorn.

Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud, was doubly delighted as the winner was showcasing his sire Intello, who stands at the stud.

Admitting to pre-race nerves with the winner's behaviour, Richardson said: "He is a little tricky at home but has a huge amount of talent and the team has done a great job with him here.

"He has his own personality and is still immature mentally. If he finds something different to his routine he will question it."

National heroine: Flippa The Strippa (Silvestre de Sousa, left) wins the two-year-old Listed race at Sandown on Thursday evening with runner-up Jm Jackson (right)Credit: Edward Whitaker

Flippa outstrips her National rivals

Flippa The Strippa booked a Royal Ascot date next month after she looked better than the bare form of her length defeat of JM Jackson in the National Stakes.

Silvestre de Sousa confirmed the visual impression that Flippa The Stripper had run green and hung towards the rail when bursting into a clear lead into the final furlong.

Trainer Charlie Hills is leaning towards the Queen Mary for Christopher Wright's grey filly rather than the longer option of the Albany at Ascot next month.

If she takes up the Queen Mary option, Flippa The Strippa will be bidding to emulate 2013 winner Rizeena, who went on to success in that fillies' feature while the 2014 winner Tiggy Wiggy finished second.

Wright was quick to point out the filly is not named after any real life character. "The name just sounded good with Strippa springing to mind as she is by Outstrip," he said.

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