Spanish-trained Acclamation colt Equiano (Acclamation - Entente Cordiale, by Ela-Mana-Mou) sprang a 22-1 surprise in the 5f King's Stand Stakes, newly promoted to Group One status, at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Fast away under Olivier Peslier, Equiano led throughout on the stands side. A group of four led by National Clour raced on the far side, and had the lead at halfway. Dandy Man went clear from that group and ran on well for an eventual fourth, but ultimately all the places were filled by the stands side group.

Peslier's mount galloped on strongly to the line, seeing off Takeover Target, who put in another stellar Ascot performance, at the age of 9, to take second. The hot favourite, Temple Stakes winner Fleeting Spirit, was third having run with credit.

Equiano's odds looked generous given his previous run, where he was second to Marchand d'Or in the Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly. Marchand d'Or runs at Ascot on Saturday, in the Golden Jubilee Stakes.

Peslier said after the race: "He ran very well in France last time and today was the big ambition. The horse has a lot of speed and he travels well. The trainer said he would be better to stay behind and get cover but I said over five furlongs he'd be better in front. He was handy and everything went right for him."

Jeremy Noseda said of the beaten favourite Fleeting Spirit: "I don't think she quite performed up to her very best. We have had a few out of sorts over the last four or five days and I think she lacked that bit of spark. But she ran a good, brave race and wasn't beaten far. I still think she is a better filly than she has shown today, but time will tell."