Australian sprinter Ortensia in the hands of William Buick produced a stunning finish, coming from ten lengths back to take the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes, the feature race on day three at York’s Ebor Festival.

Tipped at 6/1 on our Twitter account, the mare (pictured) stalked the inside rail and only overtook Spirit Quartz, second under Frankie Dettori, with 20 yards to the post.

Ortensia’s victory is the first by a favourite in the Nunthorpe since 2003 and comes less than a month after her win in the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Last year’s runner-up Hamish McGonagall obliged our each way tip at 14/1, coming home third, but there was more Group 1 disappointment for Bated Breath, who is still waiting for that elusive premier victory.

David Barron’s Pearl Secret also failed to live up to his short odds and never mounted a challenge.

Dettori’s disappointment at Spirit Quartz’s loss will be tempered by his earlier victory on 4/1 shot Dubai Prince in the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes to open his account for this year’s Ebor.

The Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes was taken by 6/1 priced Blaine, while Kieren Fallon rode his second winner of the Festival on Kirthill in the Sky Bet Mobile Handicap to start the day.

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