City Image eventually emerged as a ready winner of the ACD Projects Supporting The Animal Health Trust Empress Stakes at Newmarket.

Richard Hannon's 3-1 shot was being bustled along by Richard Hughes for much of the race but picked up swiftly through the final couple of furlongs.

The 2-1 favourite Sandreamer was leading the hunt for Listed honours but could not match the unbeaten City Image for pace in the closing stages and was beaten a length and a quarter.

"She always runs like that - she only ever does enough," said Hannon's son and assistant, Richard jnr.

"She's a home-bred, so her owner will be pleased, and she could well come back here for the Cherry Hinton Stakes."