Native receives New York go-ahead

Kingsgate Native remains bang on course to defend his crown in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

The Mujadil colt turned in an exhilarating display against his elders in the race last season when becoming the first two-year-old since 1992 to win the contest.

John Best’s speedster followed his Golden Jubilee Stakes triumph at Royal Ascot with a solid effort in the Darley July Cup, in which he was beaten just over a length into fifth.

“He’s fine and in good form,” said Best. “We’ve had no problems at all with him since his run in the July Cup and he’ll go straight to York for the Nunthorpe.”