Rose Blossom blooms at York

Rose Blossom battled on well to hold off all-comers and land the Cuisine De France Summer Stakes at York today.

The three-year-old, owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, had not quite lived up to expectations but finally fulfilled her potential in this Group Three contest.

Red-hot jockey Paul Hanagan soon had the Richard Fahey-trained filly at the head of affairs and she stuck on gamely to hold the strong-finishing Tropical Treat by a neck.

The pair drew two and a half lengths clear of Gilt Edge Girl in third.

"I'm delighted for the owners and we've always liked her," said Fahey.

"She's not straightforward, but on her day she's OK.

"She's in the Nunthorpe back at York, but we'll see."

Highclere's racing manager Harry Herbert also mentioned the possibility of a crack at the big York sprint over five furlongs next month.

Speaking at Ascot, where the Highclere colours were also successful, he told At The Races: "She did it really well. We went six furlongs today and she had worked very well earlier in the week.

"If she can slightly dominate and get in a rhythm you know she is going to put on a big performance.

"Paul rode her quite beautifully from the front.

"We were thinking the Nunthorpe might be her race but I don't know, we'll talk it through with Richard."