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The Czech horse Nagano Gold, a 25/1 chance, put in a superb performance in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) - a fast-finishing second, he was beaten by just a half-length.

The horse, a son of Sixities Icon, was hampered at the start when leaving the stalls by Masar and jockey Christophe Soumillon said "it has cost me the race".

Tomas Janda, representative for the owner-trainer Vaclav Luka, said: ""We are happy with the run, but it was close, Christophe said he had problem at the start and then again in the straight, he couldn't run really - we are happy, but of course when you are so close you always think what might have been! 

"A lot of people were watching the race at home, it will help racing in Czech - even people who don't watch racing in Czech knew about this."

As Janda explained, it has been a long-term plan by connections, who are based about 100km from Prague, to come to run at Royal Ascot.

"Through the winter we came up with this plan after he had won a Listed race in France. He ran in Group 2 race in France, but the pace of the race is always very slow," said Janda. "Even though he finished two lengths from the winner, he was pulling, he was very keen, he needs a faster pace - we thought the style of racing in England would suit better.

"This horse will now run mainly in England or Germany - we have entered him for a Group 1 in Germany in August, then we would like to run in the Arc."

According to connections, there has been one other Czech runner at Royal Ascot, the year the meeting was held at York. 

Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager for Prince Khalid Abdullah, said of the third-placed Mirage Dancer (6/1): "He has run a really good race, we are very pleased with him, he travelled very well in the race, we couldn't have been happier turning for home. He just did not find enough to finish it off, but he has run a blinder."

Last year's Derby winner Masar, having his first run since that Epsom success, finished fifth. 

Jockey James Doyle said: "Masar stood in the stalls like normal, then as they opened I am not really sure what happened but his nose disappeared. Luckily, when he came back up, he hit me in the chest and put me back in the saddle. It is not the start you want in a big race like that, but what can you do. 

"We planned on being a bit handier, as he is proven at the trip, so we ended up a bit far back and they did not go that quick. We got caught for a bit of speed in the straight, but he ran good on his first start for over a year."