Ortensia books ticket to Nunthorpe

Paul Messara had another of the great summer festivals in mind when he decided to bring Ortensia over from Australia but the powerful mare still provided victory on an elegant stage in the Gordon’s King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood yesterday.

Thwarted by the weather in the July Cup at Newmarket and well below par on all known form in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot, this Group Two was very much Plan C on the New South Wales trainer’s hitlist.

Although initially uncertain on the undulating sprint course, Ortensia (6-1 joint-favourite) finally justified the expense of her trip as she switched on the afterburner in the final furlong and was soon in absolute control as she passed the post a length and a quarter ahead of Spirit Quartz.