Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole registered their first group success on the flat as Witness Stand sprung a 25/1 surprise in a dramatic Group 2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes.

Trained by Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole, who were enjoying their first group winner on the flat as a partnership, Witness Stand raced prominently over the seven-furlong trip before kicking into a clear lead under Hollie Doyle.

William Haggas' Lake Forest attempted to run down the leader from off the pace, but he never looked like laying a glove on Witness Stand, who kept on well to score by two- and three-quarter lengths, with last year's winner Audience back in third having been unable to go with the front pair in the straight.

"I have been involved in a lot of big winners, and to actually train one myself is pretty special," said Jamie Insole. "My grandad was a jockey and a trainer, and my uncle Will Kennedy was a National Hunt jockey. So racing is in the blood, and I did them all proud today.

"We bought Witness Stand for 100,000gns at the horses-in-training sales. He went under the radar, and we immediately had offers of more money for him. I already had this race in mind, and he ran a great race at Chester last time, when they broke the track record. The bit of ease in the ground helped him and he looked pretty good."

The son of Expert Eye could now be set for a step up to Group 1 level, with connections eyeing a possible trip to France for the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp on Arc Day.

Insole added: "It is lucky that I put him in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret this morning. That is looking like a pretty good idea now. He is in the Hungerford Stakes but will have to carry a penalty in that now, so we will see."

Whilst victory was straightforward for Witness Stand, there was plenty of drama even before the gates opened, with the two-time Lennox Stakes winner Kinross forced to be withdrawn after being kicked by Audience, while soon after the start, Royal Ascot winner Noble Champion was pulled up by Kieran Shoemark.

"I was nowhere near Audience, and he kept backing up. He backed up and let fly at me," explained an evidently frustrated Rossa Ryan, who was onboard the 3/1 joint favourite Kinross. "I just want to say a big sorry to everyone involved. It was a bit of a freak thing, but he seems fine. It happened that fast, it took me by surprise. It's one of those things."