Nathaniel’s cracking week continued with Dashing Willoughby landing the thrilling Gr.2 Queen’s Vase for trainer Andrew Balding and owners Mick and Janice Mariscotti.

It was a second win for this game three-year-old who has also finished third in the Gr.3 Chester Vase last month behind Norway.

Jockey Oisin Murphy said: “I thought I was on the best horse and I’m delighted to ride a Royal Ascot winner for my first boss. He’s a son of Nathaniel and he loved that ground, Nathaniel won a soft-ground King George.

Trainer Andrew Balding said: “He’s got a bit of talent. We were pretty hopeful coming into the race and the rain certainly was in his favour. The St Leger looks the logical objective. It will be a lot tougher than this but we think he deserves to head in that direction anyway. We’ll work back from the St Leger.

Bred by Meon Valley Stud, Dashing Willoughby is out of Miss Dashwood (Dylan Thomas), a half-sister to Speedy Boarding winner of the Gr.1 Prix de l’Opera and Gr.1 Prix Jean Romanet. He was sold to Andrew Balding as a yearling for 70,000gns at the Tattersalls October Sales.