Sky Lantern lands Coronation Stakes

Sky Lantern left her rivals trailing with a comfortable victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. The 9-2 joint favourite had given champion jockey Richard Hughes his first British Classic winner in last month's 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket. The pair overcame a bad draw this time and came from last to challenge with two furlongs left. Once Sky Lantern quickened up there was no stopping her with Kenhope (33-1) second and Just The Judge (5-1) third. Hughes had the Richard Hannon-trainedrey filly, who was drawn in stall 16 of 17 at the back of the field and it seemed a big task to claim a second big-race win The well-fancied Irish challenger Big Break hit the front a furlong and a half out, but she was soon challenged by Viztoria and, although Just The Judge started her challenge down the outside, they all looked slow compared to the four-length winner. Sky Lantern had ended Just The Judge's unbeaten record at Newmarket and there were many who believed that her win was a lucky one, but she showed plenty of skill and speed this time around to show that win was no fluke.