Lockinge Stakes: Audience a shock winner at Newbury

Audience was a shock winner of the Lockinge Stakes for trainers John and Thady Gosden at Newbury.

The 22-1 shot was meant to be a pacemaker for stablemate Inspiral, with both horses owned by Cheveley Park Stud.

But after being sent to the head of the field under Robert Havlin, Audience won by two lengths from Roger Varian’s Charyn.

Witch Hunter was a distant third with Inspiral back in fourth on her first run since winning the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf in November.

“I didn’t think he’d be good enough to beat Inspiral but he’s always threatened a big one in him,” said Havlin.

“If he has good horses around him and can improve over a mile, which he clearly has [so far], then there could be some nice races to win with him.”

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Big Rock was fancied on his first run for Maurizio Guarnieri, but the 11-4 shot never got involved.

Audience was trying a mile for the first time having been a proven Group Two/Three performer at seven furlongs.

And his sizeable lead became insurmountable, with only Charyn able to give valiant chase.