Tartan Triumphs On Comeback

Stoute and Moore - on target with Tartan Bearer.

Last year's Epsom Derby runner-up Tartan Bearer made a winning return to action in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes for Sir Micheal Stoute and Ryan Moore.

The 11-10 favourite was settled in midfield for much of the mile-and-a-quarter heat but looked to have his work cut out when Pipedreamer got first run on him passing the two-furlong marker.

However, Tartan Bearer gradually reeled in his main market rival and got up in the shadow of the post to score by a short-head.

Stoute said: "He has been off since last June and I am very, very pleased with him.

"He is entered in 10 and 12-furlong races and he got the mile and a half well when he ran at Epsom. He is in the Eclipse and doesn't seem to mind the ground."

Peter Reynolds of owners Ballymacoll Stud, added: "He had some bad, bad luck last year. Aidan O'Brien didn't manage to beat him at Epsom, but Jim Bolger ran that nice colt (New Approach) who showed a turn of foot and beat him.

"He then went to the Curragh and wasn't quite right afterwards, so Sir Michael gave him a long rest.

"He is in the Tattersalls Gold Cup next month and the stiffer mile and a quarter at the Curragh will suit him."

John Gosden said of the runner-up: "He wasn't quite fully tuned up as I didn't want to risk him on the fast ground at Newmarket.

"Tartan Bearer has just beaten us on the line and we got a little tired close home.

"He is in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and so is the winner, so we might meet again there and I wouldn't mind taking him on again."