Marchand grabs July gold

Marchand D’Or got up in the dying strides to register a thrilling victory in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.

Freddie Head’s grey still had plenty to do as the field entered the final quarter-mile but Davy Bonilla conjured an impressive late run that saw him grab US Ranger in the shadow of the post.

Aidan O’Brien’s runner-up had only briefly taken over from the pace-setting War Artist, who had to settle for a close-up third under Kerrin McEvoy.

Marchand D'Or finished fourth to Sakhee's Secret 12 months ago but punters sent him off as the 5-2 favourite to make amends.

He was not particularly smartly into his stride but Bonilla soon had him settled towards the stands side as War Artist set a furious pace up front.

The South African import, now trained in Newmarket by James Eustace, was still in front at the furlong marker and looked booked for glory until the well-backed US Ranger (9-2) edged past him close home.

However, in a dramatic conclusion, Bonilla asked for everything aboard Marchand D’Or and his partner flew home up the rail to shade victory on the line.

There was only a head between the first two, while War Artist (11-2) was just half a length away in third.

Bonilla said: ``He's a great horse, but he's not easy to ride because you need to have him relaxed and stay behind for a long time but it was OK.

“I thought I had won,” he told Channel 4 Racing.