Newmarket July Cup: Lethal Force claims comfortable victory

Lethal Force produced a dominant performance to claim a comfortable victory in the July Cup at Newmarket.

The Clive Cox-trained grey, who won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last month, immediately took a prominent position from out of the stalls before charging to victory.

The four-year-old won by a length and a half ahead of Society Rock, while Slade Power was third.

Lethal Force's time of one minute 9.11 seconds set a new course record.

Shea Shea, the 3-1 favourite, finished fourth.

"I'm so proud of him," Cox said of Lethal Force.

"Even when he won at Royal Ascot they said he was lucky and it was a good ride, but I think he's confirmed today he's pretty good. There might be a few doubters silenced now. I'm thrilled for everyone back home.

"He came back from Ascot really well and he was cherry-ripe today.

"Physically he has matured and strengthening from three to four has been the key. To break the track record is brilliant."