Highfield Princess became Queen of Deauville on Sunday afternoon as the UK challenger showed a determined attitude to keep up the speed and fend off rivals proving strongest at the finish and granting a notable career achievement for Jason Hart and John Quinn. 

There was an even break from the field of fourteen at the starting stalls where they merged into one group down the centre of the track. Japanese contender King Hermes set the pace early, though it was not the fiercest of tempos for 1300m races as the field were packed together, ten lengths covering the group. 

Perfect Power, who started favourite, was first off the bridle and struggled by the 500m marker, losing places as the runners began to fan out. Highfield Princess was travelling strongly having settled in second and third since the start. The mare extended her stride and hit the front with 350m to go alongside Naval Crown who was in contention with the fast-finishing Accakaba. 

Despite moving in and causing some interference to Garrus (which resulted in a stewards inquiry) the daughter of Night of Thunder stuck her head down and demonstrated a game professional attitude maintaining a narrow but manageable lead during the final 200m. She kept finding more under Jason Hart and the Trainers House Enterprises Ltd owned five-year-old prevailed for Group One glory from Minzaal who was powering home in the final strides, and likewise Garrus who filled the frame. The top five were all UK trained entrants with Rohaan in fourth and the supported Godolphin runner, Naval Crown in fifth. Australia's Artorius managed sixth ahead of Perfect Power while the best of the home contingent was Accakaba in eighth.

Highfield Princess has been busy throughout her career establishing a good record of ten victories from 31 career starts. She has recorded some smart performances prior to Sunday's big race success including wins in the G2 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (1200m), the All-Weather Fillies' And Mares' Championship Final at Newcastle AW (UK) (1400m) and the 2021 Buckingham Palace Stakes Handicap (1400m) at Royal Ascot (UK). It was a big day for jockey Jason Hart as he landed his first career Group One success.