SIR Michael Stoute has hailed Estimate’s narrow reverse in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot as a career-best display.

The Queen’s mare put up a gallant bid to try and secure back-to-back triumphs in the year’s staying showpiece but was just denied in a thrilling finish by Leading Light.

Stoute reports his five-year-old to have taken her Ascot exertions well and races such as the Goodwood Cup and the Irish St Leger will come under consideration in the second half of the season.

He reflected: “I thought it was a great run in what was a very good Gold Cup. She is just so honest and competitive.

“You are never really thrilled if you finish second, but I was very pleased with her performance.”