Barney Roy (5-2) reversed 2000 Guineas running with Churchill to take the St James's Palace Stakes for trainer Richard Hannon and jockey James Doyle.

Dual 2000 Guineas hero Churchill was only fourth as Barney Roy enjoyed his day in the sun in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Just a length had separated the pair when they finished first and second at Newmarket in early May, but having since followed up at the Curragh.

Aidan O'Brien's Churchill was the 1-2 favourite to confirm his superiority over the Richard Hannon-trained Barney Roy (5-2).

Barney Roy wins the St James's Stakes (
Image:
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
The Queen chose green this year (
Image:
Rex)

Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet took the eight-strong field along for much of the one-mile journey in the feature race on the opening day of the meeting, closely pursued by Churchill's stablemate Lancaster Bomber.T

he two big guns were happy to play their cards late, but it was clear from early in the straight that Churchill was not going to pick up the leaders.

Barney Roy was himself being ridden along from over two furlongs out, but responded to James Doyle's urgings and got up to score by a length.

Lady Aurelia ridden by jockey John Velazquez coming home to win the King's Stand Stakes (
Image:
PA)

Lancaster Bomber was second, ahead of Thunder Snow in third.

Earlier on, won the Ribchester opened the meet by winning the The Queen Anne Stakes.

Rajasinghe won the Coventry Stakes and Lady Aurelia triumphed in the King's Stand Stakes.