WILTSHIRE trainer Richard Hannon opened the Royal Ascot meeting on Tuesday in style when winning the featured St James's Palace Stakes with Barney Roy.

Hannon’s colt was gaining revenge over the odds-on favourite Churchill who had beaten him into second place in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. On this occasion Churchill could finish only fourth.

Hannon said: "I thought he was off the bridle a bit early and I was a little worried that he was going to run a moderate race and finish fourth, but I've got a lot of confidence in this horse and I'm delighted.

"I was confident he'd run his race, not confident he'd win – I just wanted to give him the chance to prove that, as I don't think he got that chance in the Guineas.”

The two big guns were happy to play their cards late, but it was clear from early in the straight that Churchill was not going to pick up the leaders. Barney Roy was himself being ridden along from over two furlongs out, but responded to James Doyle's urgings and got up to score by a length.

Lancaster Bomber was second, ahead of Thunder Snow in third.

Asked about future plans, Hannon said: "He's in the Eclipse, he's in the Arc.

"He takes time to get there but he picked up well, he's a very relaxed horse and was only having his fourth run, so to beat the Guineas winner is great."