A Kent racehorse has broken the world record for a race run over five furlongs.

Stone of Folca, trained by John Best at Detling near Maidstone, claimed the record in winning the Investec Specialist Bank Dash during the Epsom Derby Day meeting in front of her majesty the Queen.

The 50-1 long shot, ridden by Luke Morris, left the rest of the twenty strong field standing to win in a time of 53.69 seconds.

“I’ve always known he was quick but sometimes he can be very hard to handle. This time though everthing went like a dream,” said John Best.

“I believe not only was it the first time the race has been won from a stall lower than 9, but also the fastest time recorded electronically for any five furlong race. We will almost certainly take our chances at Royal Ascot, although that will be a huge step up. ”

Picture courtesy of John Hoy.