Septimus lands Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup

Septimus (6-5 favourite) showed he has no stamina problems when holding Balkan Knight to land the Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup over an extended two miles.

Percussionist took the field along until Distinction went on a mile from home but he could not shake off the opposition, with Septimus always travelling well for Johnny Murtagh before going on a furlong and a half out.

Balkan Knight made a bold bid and had to be switched as Septimus, trained by Aidan O’Brien, stuck to the stands rail, but he was beaten a length.

Anna Pavlova was another length back in third.

Last year’s winner, the ever-popular Sergeant Cecil, could never get in a blow and finished fifth.

Murtagh said: "He travelled great through the race. The ease in the ground suited him and he excelled over the distance.

“He’s also got speed and he’ll have no problem going back to a mile and six (furlongs).”