Tom Marquand extricated himself from a difficult position to win the King George V Stakes on Merchant for William Haggas.

Drawn in stall 20, Marquand had chosen to drop in behind horses while Ryan Moore on Serious Contender, who was also posted out wide, opted to go forward.

Moore was still in front as they entered the final furlong but Merchant picked up well to defy an 8lb rise for winning at York last time out and justify 3-1 favouritism by a length, with Pantile Warrior a further neck back in third.

“It was difficult to watch because all I was watching was the time per furlong and they set off like scalded cats,” said Haggas.

“I then thought they hadn’t gone fast enough because in every race this week on the round track, they’ve gone so fast and everything has come off the speed.

“He was plenty far back and I knew when he turned for home he’d be able to sit a bit, I knew he’d come home. I was really pleased with him.

“You hope (they are good enough). He’s clearly progressive and I’m afraid I don’t know how far he will go. It’s extremely exciting.”

Arabian Story provided Saeed bin Suroor with a 40th Royal Ascot winner in a dramatic finish to the Britannia Stakes.

Having just the fourth run of his life and his first on turf, the 15-2 chance had to be brave under Oisin Murphy.

La Botte and Fearnot both threw down late challenges but it was Arabian Story who prevailed by a neck and a head.