Richard Hills claimed victory on Daraahem

Barry Hills claimed his fourth Chester Cup after four-year-old Daraahem came home ahead of Ajaan and Halla San.

Daraahem, who was making his seasonal debut, was ridden by Hills' son Richard and had enough in the tank to claim glory on the opening day in Chester.

Earlier, Perfect Truth, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, claimed the Cheshire Oaks in a thrilling race.

Perfect Truth held on by a short head after a spirited late charge from Phillipina, ridden by Ryan Moore.

Murtagh bounced out Aidan O'Brien's filly and set a fierce gallop at the head of affairs.

He was around five lengths clear of his pursuers turning into the short straight but not surprisingly her stride began to shorten.

Moore, on Phillipina, soon closed the gap but the line came a stride too soon as Perfect Truth held on.

Murtagh said: "I let her roll along all the way. She got a bit tired but she was entitled to.

"It's a short straight here and I thought I was caught the last few strides but she was very brave."

The big race of the opening day was the Chester Cup, with Daraahem expertly guided to glory.

Hills Jr was keen not to hit the front too soon and turning into the straight he was perfectly positioned.

Having taken over from Desert Sea a furlong and a half out, the main threat emerged from Ajaan down the outside but Tom Queally failed marginally to get his mount home in front, much to the delight of Hills Sr.

The 72-year-old Hills has rarely had his horses in better form and after breaking through the 3000-winner mark earlier in the season, he landed another Classic when Ghanaati took the 1,000 Guineas on Sunday.

Of Daraahem he said: "Wonderful. He travelled well throughout, he's a good horse.

"The ground is perfect today, it might quicken up by tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday. We just got away with it. It's been a memorable few days."

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