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Carlton House gives Queen early Jubilee present

Carlton House returned with a win © Getty Images

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Carlton House returned to action in some style with a comfortable victory in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on Thursday.

Owned by Her Majesty The Queen, Carlton House ensured a perfect start to his owner's Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the weekend, as Ryan Moore guided his charge to a two-length victory over Sagramor.

Last season's beaten Derby favourite was forced to make the early pace, before finding the gap between I'm A Dreamer and Hunter's Light over the closing stages to power for home.

"I was very happy with him. He was fresh early but they weren't going quick," Moore said. "He got the gap and went through it, he always tries his hardest.

"That was only his sixth race so you'd like to think he'll keep on improving."

Trainer Sir Michael Stoute added: "We had him as fit as we could without taking any chances. He used up a little too much energy early on because the gallop wasn't strong enough, but he wanted it.

"We wouldn't go more than 10 (furlongs) at this stage.

"We'll go for the Prince of Wales's [aat Royal Ascot] next and take it one step at a time."

Earlier, Opinion Poll secured another big victory in the Henry II Stakes.

Frankie Dettori expertly controlled the six-year-old to take his ride to a three-length victory over Ibicenco and Chiberta King, to give another sign that he is a strong contender for the Gold Cup at Ascot.

Trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni said: "In the Gold Cup it will be all about Frankie and how he times his run.

"When he came back from Dubai we gave him some time off before we built him back up again.

"When they travel such a long way it affects them so I don't think he'll have been at his best tonight."

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