DARLINGTON trainer Michael Dods said he was 'delighted' with the performance of Commanche Falls as his horse sprinted to victory at Goodwood this afternoon.

Ridden by jockey Connor Beasley, the 10-1 shot came from off the pace to land the Stewards Cup for the trainer, based at Denton, near Darlington.

Trainer Dods excels with sprinters - and the four-year-old has made giant strides this season.

A winner at Ayr in April off a mark of just 84, Commanche Falls has also won at Ripon before taking the Scottish Stewards’ Cup last time out.

That win earned him a 6lb penalty – but as the handicapper only saw fit to raise him 5lb for that narrow win, he was effectively racing from 1lb wrong at the weights.

Usually in such a competitive race that could be crucial, but Commanche Falls (10-1) is clearly improving at a rate of knots still.

He initially looked to be on the wrong side of the track as Major Jumbo carried the far side into an early advantage.

With a furlong to run both groups appeared neck and neck, but Connor Beasley had only been biding his time and Commanche Falls burst clear to win by a neck from the fast-finishing Gulliver. Great Ambassador was third, with Total Commitment in fourth.