The equine Flora of Bermuda occupied the same finishing position as her human namesake did at the Olympics in one of England’s biggest horse races last weekend.

Dame Flora Duffy’s fifth position in Paris was matched by Flora of Bermuda in the Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday and the three-year-old’s performance can be upgraded after a luckless run.

Travelling well behind the leaders for much of the race, the Bermuda Throughbreds-owned runner was trapped behind a wall of horses inside the final couple of furlongs of the six-furlong race before staying on strongly late to finish fifth at odds of 33-1.

Jockey Oisin Murphy later reported to the stewards that his mount had failed to get a clear run and Simon Scupham, founder of Bermuda Thoroughbreds, was left to wonder what might have been.

“When a gap finally opened in the race for Flora, the ease at which she quickly gained ground and closed on the leaders was eye-catching, yet at the same time partially heartbreaking,” Scupham said

“You can’t help but think how close she could have been if she was able to run her race at Haydock.

“Jockey Oisin Murphy was poised for action but was never able to get into top gear. The phrase goes ‘that’s racing’ but boy you can’t help but hope Flora Of Bermuda is able to run her race on this top-class stage soon.”

Flora Of Bermuda’s next assignment has already been planned out with the Group One Champion Sprint Stakes at Ascot on October 19 the next target.

“We walk away with much to look forward to and all roads lead to Ascot and what an exciting race we have lined up,” Scupham said