Pearls Galore got the better of Emphatic Answer after a protracted duel in the Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes at Headquarters.

Pearls Galore improved from third to challenge the leader Emphatic Answer on the run to final furlong and narrowly headed her at that marker.

25/1 shot Emphatic Answer was in no mood to relent, though, and battled back on the inner and was almost on terms in the closing stages but Billy Lee exerted his arms more strenuously close home to see Pearls Galore win by neck to reward favourite backers who took the 8/11. Sh Boom was two lengths back in third at 22/1.

Trainer Paddy Twomey said: “She’s tough and improving all the time. She does what she has to do and enjoys racing.

“She’s won her Group 2 now so we’ll have to try and win a Group 1.

“The fillies' races through the summer - the Falmouth, the Prix de Rothschild and the Matron - maybe the Foret and the Breeders Cup Mile, that sort of programme we are looking at with her.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee