Prince best in Norfolk

Prince Of Lir gave Luke Morris a first Royal Ascot victory in the Norfolk Stakes.

Winner of his only start at Beverley prior to this race, trainer Robert Cowell had voiced concerns about his ability to handle the soft ground.

In beating Mark Johnston's The Last Lion, the Brocklesby winner from Doncaster, he confirmed the form from their previous meeting 19 days ago in the Brian Yeardley Trophy in winning by half a length.

The favourite Global Applause appeared to have everything covered at halfway, but Frankie Dettori chose to go to the previously-favoured far side whereas the race unfolded in the centre of the track.

The Last Lion briefly went clear but Silver Line and Peace Envoy came with a chance, only to be put in their place by the 8-1 winner.

It was a third Royal Ascot win for Cowell, who had won two runnings of the King's Stand through Prohibit and Goldream.

Morris said: "It's a great buzz. It's what you work hard for.

"He's only had one run and he's just a bit inexperienced but he's a very talented horse.

"He put the race to bed nicely."

Cowell added: "He's a pocket rocket. He's not very big, but he's very well formed and mature. He's shown a lovely attitude.

"I'm delighted for the Swanns and family because they paid a lot of money for him and he's repaid their faith."

Cowell went on: "He looked a little outpaced with two and a half to go, but he's a little bit lazy and is very relaxed and found the gears where it mattered.

"This is very special and I'm delighted for the owners and everyone at home.

"He'll stay at five furlongs. We won't go to any other trip at the moment. I think Goodwood would be out unless it was easier ground as the track there is too sharp for him.

"We'll sit back and let the dust settle and look at what might be useful to him."

Johnston was pleased enough with The Last Lion's effort and is planning a trip to France now.

He said: "The form is usually right and he's run to the form of his Beverley race. The winner has improved a bit for his second run.

"Apart from the winner, the only horse that has finished in front of him was the American horse (Create A Dream) here (in April) and his form is rock-solid.

"Joe (Fanning) felt he had it won a furlong out, but the other horse went past him, it looked like he was coming back a wee bit at the line.

"I think we would be opened minded on trip. I don't think we should say he's better on soft ground as his form on fast ground is very good.

"Some horses don't handle soft ground, but he showed he does which makes him more versatile. We could go to Deavuille in a couple of weeks now."

Godolphin's John Ferguson said of third home Silver Line, trained by Saeed bin Suroor: "He's run really well, and what really pleased me is he ran all the way to the line.

"I think we'll probably step him up in trip on slightly better ground. We're very happy with him. We may look at the Richmond, or a race similar to that."