Terebellum just denied in G1 Queen Anne Stakes thriller

Terebellum was collared on the line as she finished a head second in a pulsating finish to the G1 Queen Anne Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot, Tuesday, 16 June.

The John Gosden-trained four-year-old, dropping down to a mile for the first time following an impressive victory over 10 furlongs on her seasonal return in the G2 Dahlia Stakes, settled behind the leaders in fifth under Frankie Dettori.

Terebellum travelled strongly into the race and cruised up to hit the front with a furlong and a half to race. She established a half-length advantage entering the final furlong and rallied strongly when pressed by Circus Maximus soon afterwards.

Circus Maximus himself battled back, getting up in the final stride as the front two pulled three lengths clear of Marie’s Diamond in third.

John Gosden said: “Terebellum ran a great race. They didn’t go any pace, which probably played against her as she gets a mile and a quarter. She hit the front and Circus Maximus just came back on the run to the line under a rousing ride.”