CER-PRISE!

Murphy's star delivers at Ascot

- BY MOLLY HUNTER

CERCENE gave jockey Gary Carroll and trainer Joe Murphy a day to remember when bravely holding off French hotpot Zarigana to land the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Billed as a clash between French 1,000 Guineas winner Zarigana and Owen Burrows' supplemented Falakeyah, it was the Irish outsider who stole the show to become the race's longest-priced winner at 33-1.

Falakeyah's challenge faded tamely having raced keenly, but 6-4 favourite Zarigana looked prime to pounce in hands of Mickael Barzalona and in fact looked to briefly have passed Cercene.

However, Irish 1,000 third Cercene was not to be denied and proved her Curragh performance was no fluke as she battled back to secure a half-length verdict.

Murphy said: "We always liked her. We left her a little longer but good fillies you always leave a little longer, you never put them over.