Saffron Beach dominated throughout for an emphatic victory in the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.
Jane Chapple-Hyam's filly was prominent from the outset on the far side under William Buick as the 13-strong field split into two groups – and was never again headed en route to her breakthrough top-level victory.
Saffron Beach, returning to the course-and-distance scene of her admirable runner-up effort in the 1000 Guineas in May, took her revenge on Aidan O’Brien’s Classic heroine Mother Earth – who this time had to settle for minor honours.
For Buick, who will ride Derby and King George winner Adayar in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday, this was the perfect start to his high-profile weekend – while it was a first Group One triumph for her trainer.
Saffron Beach passed the post three lengths in front at 5-1, with favourite Mother Earth holding on to second by a head from outsider Dreamloper.
Chapple-Hyam said: "She has trained well the last month and this was our goal a long way out. We took the Group Three in at Sandown as a confidence boost for her and it has paid off.
"I will just enjoy today and worry about the rest of the year on Monday. It is definitely extra special to win my first Group One in Newmarket as I’ve been here since I left school at 17. It has been a long time. I was a student that started at the National Stud and have worked my way through to where I am today.
"The race seemed to go like two miles, not one mile. It was a hard slog that last furlong, but I’m proud of her. It is good to get the Group One next to her name.
"She has knocked on the door in the Guineas and now she has gone and done it today. I’m really pleased for the connections. We knew there was a Group One for her and today was the day. You don’t mind waiting if they do it."
She added: "I’ve had a few seconds, but never a Group One. She deserved that as it has been a long season."
Of Mother Earth, Coolmore’s UK representative Kevin Buckley said: "She tries her heart out every single time. She always shows up as the form suggests and it was another good run.
"She was beaten by a good filly and I’m delighted for Jane to have her first Group One. They are getting their toe in now, but that is not an excuse.
"We will talk to Aidan and see what he says, but I don’t see any reason to suggest why she would stop now.
"That is up to the lads if she races on next season. She has danced a lot of dances, but she will tell us what she wants."
