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The likeable six-year-old Commanche Falls gained a well-deserved breakthrough at Group level when nosing to victory in the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury.

Michael Dods' runner arrived chasing a double following a comfortable success in the Listed Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes at the Curragh earlier this month.

The pace looked genuine with Cold Case taking the field along at a swift early tempo and it looked as though he had the majority of his rivals on the stretch entering the final couple of furlongs. The challengers soon began to queue up though deep inside the furlong pole with Diligent Harry and Shartash both making their bid for glory towards the near side. However, it was the 4/1 favourite Commanche Falls, who looked in trouble at the halfway point, that stuck on best of all and squeezed his way between rivals to run out a head winner with Diligent Harry (18/1) back in second.

The front-running Cold Case finished back in third with Irish-raider Shartash taking the fourth spot.

Jockey Connor Beasley told ITV Racing: "To be honest he wasn't enjoying the ground at all. He was always behind the bridle. That is sort of his running style at the same time, but I thought from the three [furlong] to the two [furlong] I didn't think I was going to pick up."

"When I asked him for a little bit more he really did. I just had to switch for a little bit of room because things were getting a little bit tight, but he did it nicely in the end."

"He's got plenty of ability and he's shown there that he's pretty versatile."

He added: "He is a big horse and so he had plenty of momentum when I asked him.

"He is a massive horse for me in my career and the team and these owners have been very supportive of my career, so I can't thank them enough.

"Michael is doing well with these sprinters. He seems to be getting better with age and he is progressing all the time."

Sweet success for William in Mettal UK Handicap

The Gosden-trained Sweet William made a winning handicap debut in some style when running out a commanding three-length winner of the Mettal UK Handicap under Rab Havlin.

The success saw Sweet William jump to the head of the market for the Sky Bet Ebor at York next month although connections may have other ideas.

Owner Philippa Cooper said: "I don't think he can get into the Ebor. I'm not an Ebor girl, anyway. I know my husband would love it."

Winning jockey Rab Havlin added: "He can be a bit of a character, but he seems to be getting it together at the races with the blinkers on. A step up in trip has obviously brought about a bit of improvement."

"At Doncaster, I was five clear on him and I stood up and he pulled up, so I was mindful to keep him going to the line this time. He seemed to handle the ground well and the trip was no problem. He'll have to go up in class obviously, but he will have to have another penalty to get into the Ebor."

Sky Bet make Sweet William the 8/1 favourite for Ebor victory.