Lead Artist beats Dancing Gemini at Newbury to win Lockinge Stakes for Oisin Murphy

Lead Artist edged out Dancing Gemini in a pulsating Lockinge Stakes at Newbury to give jockey Oisin Murphy his first victory in the race.

The winner, trained by John and Thady Gosden, was backed down from morning odds of 18-1 to finish at 17-2.

Fallen Angel led the field until two furlongs to go before Lead Artist got the better of a sustained battle with 2-1 favourite Dancing Gemini.

Murphy, riding his first top-level Group One winner for owners Juddmonte, edged ahead by a neck in the final strides.

“He has an amazing temperament. The lads were really confident and the market told. He was a joy to ride,” said Murphy.

Last year’s Irish 2000 Guineas winner Rosallion was third, with 2024 Newmarket Guineas victor Notable Speech fourth.

The four could be set for a mouthwatering rematch in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.