Empire tops in Geoffrey Freer Kieren Fallon won the Betfred TV Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury aboard the Godolphin-owned Royal Empire (8/1). The four year old had landed a Listed race at this track the previous month but had no problem with either the step up in class or trip as he ran on strongly to land a maiden Group-race success at the first attempt. Always prominent behind the pacesetting trio of Testudo, I'm Your Man and Ralston Road, Fallon had plenty of room to challenge in the straight with Paul Hanagan leading the field down the centre of the track. Aiken was pulled out to challenge towards the stands' side with Red Cadeaux tracking his every move while Royal Empire made his run towards the inside. William Buick was soon sending out distress signals aboard favourite Aiken and the pair were going backwards by the furlong pole but Royal Empire ran on strongly having hit the front. He was chased all the way to the line by Red Cadeaux who just held on for second from Lost In The Moment by half a length. Fallon said: "He travelled really well for me - he really picked up when I asked him. This fellow has got a lot of improvement in him and he can go on from here. He'll be a much better on horse on better ground."
