Echelon wins Matron Stake at Leopardstown

Echelon, trained by Michael Stoute and ridden by Ryan Moore, won the Group One Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

Last month’s Celebration Mile winner showed a lightning-quick turn of foot to justify 9-4 favouritism.

Michael Stoute’s mare, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, was always close to a moderate pace set by the game Eastern Appeal.

By contrast, runner-up Red Evie – last year’s winner – came from quite a way back before offering characteristic pace for Jamie Spencer.

Echelon was travelling far better than anything in the field, however, and zipped into a commanding lead inside the last.

The daughter of Danehill stayed on in good style from then on and landed her first Group One success with a length and a half to spare.

Eastern Appeal claimed third, while the well-backed Arch Swing faded into fourth after being prominent early on.