Takamaka Bay won the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes by a short head from stablemate Gallery God at Royal Ascot to complete a one-two for trainer Mark Johnston.

Ridden brilliantly by Darryl Holland Takamaka Bay picked his way through the field up the final furlong to pip Kevin Darley's ride.

Ironically it was stable-jockey Darley who had first choice from the Johnston team.

As recently as Sunday Takamaka Bay had won at Leicester, and it was only as a result of the four lb penalty imposed consequently that the horse was able to compete at Ascot.

After an even break Holy Orders and Maniatis set the early pace with the heavily backed Hatha Anna at the back of the field.

Akbar hit the front at the five-and-a-half furlong mark and looked like holding on.

Holland though had different ideas and Takamaka Bay just had the turn-of-foot to take advantage on a run up the rail-side.

Gallery God maintained a strong run throughout to finish third and Hatha Anna came through the field to please each-way punters, finishing fourth.

"It's some way to start the meeting," said Johnston.

"I was shouting for Takamaka Bay at one point because I thought the others were going to swallow up Akbar."

The result provided Holland with only his third ever winner at the Royal meeting.

"It's very hard to get winners here let alone three, so to get this one is a bonus," said Holland.

Full result: Ascot 1620BST:
1. Takamaka Bay 10-1(D Holland)
2. Akbar (K Darley) 16-1
3. Gallery God (Y Take) 12-1
4. Hatha Anna (L Dettori) 15-2 All 20 ran