Newmarket: Cavalryman wins for Silvestre De Sousa at July Festival

Cavalryman (left) was a winner for former top rider Frankie Dettori

Cavalryman won the Princess of Wales's Stakes under jockey Silvestre De Sousa for Godolphin on day one of the July Festival at Newmarket.

The 9-1 shot held off the challenge of Hillstar, ridden by Godolphin's former top rider Frankie Dettori.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor says the winner will head for the Goodwood Cup, with the Melbourne Cup a future target.

De Sousa said of his mount: "He's very tough and genuine. He has been unlucky, but he's come back.

"I'm just delighted for him to come here and get his head in front."

Earlier Royal Ascot winner Hartnell, ridden by Joe Fanning for trainer Mark Johnston, won the Bahrain Trophy, and could now be a contender for the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

Cavalryman, three times a winner earlier in his career for Dettori and third in the 2009 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe behind winner Sea The Stars, retains a lot of ability at the age of eight and relished the rain-softened ground.

Victory in the Group Two feature race was a big boost for De Sousa, who has faced competition this season for Godolphin rides from veteran Kieren Fallon.

On this occasion, Fallon was well beaten on Cavalryman's stablemate Excellent Result.

Princess of Wales's Boylesports.com Stakes Group Two, 1m 4f

1 Cavalryman (Saeed Bin Suroor) Frankie Dettori 9-1

2 Hillstar 7-2

6 ran. Distances: Neck, ½ length