Forest Ranger pips Deauville to claim Earl of Sefton

Forest Ranger saw off hot favourite Deauville to claim top honours in the bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Deauville was all the rage as the 6-4 market leader, having his sights lowered significantly after rounding off 2017 with three consecutive appearances at Group One level.

Frankuus took the field along for much of the way, with Deauville and Richard Fahey's 8-1 shot Forest Ranger always his closest pursuers.

When Frankuus wilted Deauville and Forest Ranger move up to dispute the lead, Robin Of Navan briefly threatening to get involved.

In the end though it turned into a straight duel and it was Forest Ranger who won the battle for the Group Three prize by half a length in the hands of Tony Hamilton.

Euginio beat Robin Of Navan to third place.