Dame Flora Duffy was not the only Flora representing the island to finish third in one of the world’s biggest races at the weekend.

Flora Of Bermuda, owned by Bermuda Racing, finished third at Ascot in the Group One Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes, one of the most prestigious horse races in England.

Racing against predominantly older horses, the three-year-old was drawn in stall 20 in the 20-strong field and travelled strongly through the race to lay down her challenge inside the final furlong but came up just a neck short at odds of 25-1.

As well as enhancing her value as a broodmare when she eventually retires, she earned £53,800 ($69,888) for her efforts and will stay in training next year.

Simon Scupham, founder of Bermuda Racing, was thrilled with the performance and is predicting more to come from the filly next season.

“What a special day and what a special filly,” Scupham said.

“Beaten only a head and a neck in a field that contained the best of the best of European sprinters is some achievement for a filly that is still only three years old.

“The world is her oyster so fasten your seatbelts as this is just the beginning of her group one journey.”