Classic win for Grandeur in front of 9,000

Grandeur atoned for his expensive defeat in the Winter Derby by claiming the Coral Easter Classic All-Weather Middle Distance Championships Conditions Stakes at Lingfield in the final stride.

Ryan Moore had Jeremy Noseda's grey in the perfect position throughout, but for much of the home straight it appeared that he could not quite catch John Gosden's Dick Doughtywylie.

Undone by the draw in the Winter Derby, Noseda felt he had a point to prove and was confident, given luck in running, that he could set the record straight, and while the 6-4 favourite only won by a head, he did just that. Winter Derby winner Robin Hoods Bay flew from the rear to take third.

It was the feature race of the first ever British meeting on a Good Friday and also of the inaugural All-Weather Championships Finals, which proved an unqualified success as the gates had to be closed with a modern-day record crowd of nearly 9,000 people attending to create a fantastic atmosphere at the usually sleepy Surrey course.

After Grandeur's victory, Moore said: "It was always going to be very tactical. He quickened very well, but I had to stop and start again, which wasn't ideal. Fair play to Jeremy, he mapped him out for this, so it is a good effort by them. I was on the best horse and it worked out well. He got a very soft run round today (from a good draw)."

Noseda added: "I'm delighted he's won. Winter Derby day was a real disappointment and he's come back and redeemed himself. I thought he'd win a bit more comfortably, but at least he's won.

"We took him out of his comfort zone last time and even today he was a bit further forward than ideal.

"I'll have a chat with the owners, but he's shown he is suited to racing in America and he'll probably go to Belmont in May and June. The American turf horses aren't as tough as what we have to face here and there's a lot of money on offer.

"Ryan is a great jockey, as good as there is in the world - you want him on your side on a big day."

Gosden said of the William Buick-ridden Dick Doughtywylie: "I thought that he was going to win 25 yards out. It is the best performance of his career and we are thrilled with him. It made an exciting finish. He got headed, came back and got headed on the line. I think the best horse has won but we are over the moon with our fellow."

Buck added: "He ran really well. I thought he got the run of the race but the winner was just that bit better."