Indian Ink proved strongest on the softer ground

Cherry Hinton made the early running from Scarlet Runner and they were still in front as they rounded the home turn.

A number of runners came to challenge in the straight but it was soon obvious there was only going to be one winner.

When they hit the furlong pole Richard Hughes asked the question and Indian Ink blew the field away to beat Mi Emma by six lengths with Darjina third.

Interview: Indian Ink's trainer Richard Hannon

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action from Ascot

"The ground made a big difference. At the start of the week things were not looking very good," admitted winning trainer Richard Hannon.

"All her best runs last year were on easier ground. Just a bit of give in the ground is fine.

"In the 1,000 Guineas, the ground was very fast and she got into a bit of trouble. She might go to the Falmouth at Newmarket on 11 July."

Hughes added: "When she won the Lowther at York last year she hit the front and went clear, then nearly pulled herself up - so I had to be careful today.

"I gave her a kick and she quickened. I thought I might have gone too soon, but I've got great faith in this filly."

Finsceal Beo's trainer Jim Bolger blamed the conditions for the defeat for his English and Irish 1000 Guineas heroine.

He said: "Kevin Manning felt she just wasn't able to quicken on the ground, and I would say she does not like it when it's like that. She's not the same filly on that ground.

"We will take her home and see how she is, and I'm sure there will be other days. She will certainly have all the entries."