Training legend Clive Brittain back on the July course to honour his late wife

Local training legend Clive Brittain was at the July course for the first time in many years to present the prize for the Listed Empress Stakes, which was run in memory of his late wife Maureen.

The great man trained the winner of the 6f contest twice in the past but didn't pick the winner this time around, which was no surprise as the once-raced maiden System emerged victorious at odds of 22-1.

The daughter of Galileo Gold arrived with a late run up the stands' rail under Pat Dobbs to hold the late thrust of Desert Dreamer and give Richard Hannon a second win in the contest after Nations Alexander in 2016.

Winning part-owner Martin Hughes said: "We were most surprised about the price as the yard fancied her but others obviously didn't.

System: winner of the Listed Empress Stakes for trainer Richard HannonCredit: Mark Cranham

"She ran into a well-regarded one on her debut at Salisbury and has come on from that. The way she finished off I would imagine she'll get seven furlongs at least."

Brittain, 87, said: "It's fantastic to be back at this track. I've had some very good winners here and some very good memories. I didn't pick the winner as I went for Najat but the winner looks very good and is in the hands of a genius.

"Maureen always loved this race and it was easy for me to support it. If I could have given her anything this is what she would have wanted."

Clive Brittain: 'I used to agree something couldn't be done – and then go and do it anyway' (Members' Club)

Happy and Glorious

Glorious Journey ran out the game winner of the Group 3 Criterion Stakes to claim a fifth Group victory, four years after his first triumph on the July course.

The six-year-old, ridden by James Doyle, was improving on his second in the 7f contest two years ago when powering out of the Dip to hold the surge of favourite Motakhayyel.

Glorious Journey (right): now a five-time winner at Group levelCredit: Mark Cranham

Godolphin managing director Hugh Anderson said of the Charlie Appleby-trained winner: "I was here when Glorious Journey won on his debut and I dare say I'll be here to see him again here next year. He's been a wonderful servant for us and it's nice that he's won another Group 3."

The same combination later followed up when Sayyida, a half-sister to Derby winner Masar, battled home in the 1m4f fillies' handicap.

Outbox outfoxes Logician

Outbox gained just reward for his consistency when denying Classic winner Logician in the Listed Fred Archer Stakes.

The 6-1 chance picked up well off a decent pace set by Winter Reprise to hold the 2019 St Leger hero on the climb to the line under Hollie Doyle, who later doubled up when Mr Excellency powered home in the 1m2f handicap.

Successful owners Hambleton Racing's representative Charlie Turner said: "This is testament to the relationship between our syndicate and Archie Watson. Outbox never runs a bad race and has really enjoyed the quick ground out there rather than the soft he has been running on."

Outbox (right): holds off Logician in the Listed Fred Archer StakesCredit: Mark Cranham

On the runner-up, joint-trainer John Gosden was not ruling out retirement for the five-year-old but was in no rush to make a decision.

He said: "Logician is lucky to be still racing as he was saved by the vets at Newmarket Equine Hospital as a three-year-old. He's lost two gears since then as the old Logician would have picked these up."

Results, replays and analysis

Read more from Saturday's action:

Hurricane Lane storms home to deny Lone Eagle in epic Irish Derby

Expert jury: how far can Hurricane Lane go after his Irish Derby triumph?

Northumberland Plate: quirky but talented Nicholas T fulfils Goldie's Newcastle master plan

Newcastle: Chil Chil too hot for handicaps now and could head to July Cup

Newmarket: training legend Clive Brittain back on the July course to honour his late wife

Windsor: old favourite Century Dream lands Listed spoils for team Crisford

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a three-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday