Lethal Force wins the July Cup Lethal Force (9/2) made all the running to win the Group One Darley July Cup at Newmarket. Jockey Adam Kirby rode Clive Cox's star when the pair teamed up for Royal Ascot glory in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, and the duo put in another barnstorming performance here. Always in the front rank, the grey kicked clear with over a furlong to run and the result was never in doubt from that moment; he broke the track record in the process. James Fanshawe's Society Rock (11/2) was third at Ascot but went one place better here under Kieren Fallon, whilst Eddie Lynam's Slade Power (16/1) ran a career-best in third spot. Favourite Shea Shea (3/1) held every chance with a furlong to run but was well-held in the end, while Sole Power finished fifth under Johnny Murtagh. Cox said: "I am so proud of him because he has always promised. Even when he won at Royal Ascot they kind of said he was lucky and that it was a good ride. "But he confirmed today that he is pretty good. He has done that nicely. "He came back from Ascot really well and he was cherry ripe again today. My only concern was the track - the undulations - as he was a little bit inclined to get unbalanced in his earlier days. But he has put that to bed really well. "This is very special and I'm delighted to win. The course record is something I will cherish. "You dream of days like this - it's why you get up in the morning. It's just amazing." Asked as to Lethal Force's next assignment, Cox said: "All the major sprints are on the agenda, so we will see how he comes back. "He will give us a clear indication. There are lots of nice options and beyond that we've had kind invitations from Australia and Hong Kong but we will take it one step at a time." Winning rider Adam Kirby said: "He is class. I jumped him out and he got into a beautiful rhythm and everything was going nicely to plan. "But just after the two-furlong marker I had to give him a smack and he jinked and nearly slipped. But he is a very, very good horse. "Clive said there was no plan - he leaves it to me and it is a pleasure to ride for him."
