NEWMARKET REPORT:STARSPANGLEDBANNER followed up his Royal Ascot win with a gritty display in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket yesterday.

Aidan O’Brien’s speedball slightly missed the kick and was soon chased along behind fellow Ascot hero Equiano.

Perhaps crucially, Johnny Murtagh steered the 2 to 1 favourite over to the far rail while Michael Hills raced up the middle of the track on Equiano.

The former Australian sprinter looked beaten a furlong out as 66 to 1 chance Alverta threatened with Fleeting Spirit and Kingsgate Native just behind.

But Starspangledbanner found plenty for pressure to foil the gallant Equiano by a neck with Alverta back in third.

O’Brien said: “He’s very tough, he’s a serious horse.

“Johnny made the decision to go over to the far rail and it paid off.

“He’s got some courage and great pace. Very few horses have that much courage when they are so fast.

“It was great that the two Ascot winners were first and second, it’s great when they come together like that.”

Murtagh added: “Not many horses win this after winning at Ascot, but he’s not just got class, he’s got plenty of guts and he’s hardy.

“I thought the rail would help my horse, I had to make my own mind up and it helped win the race.

“Stamina helped us win it, some Australian horses don’t go up the hill but this lad does.”

Barry Hills said of Equiano: “He ran a marvellous race, probably a career-best and I think he was just beaten by a slightly better horse.”