Mission Central (14/1) denied French raider Rayevka and Australian challenger Overpass in a thrilling finish to the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Mission Central lined up in the five-furlong contest after two wins over the distance in Ireland this season and was taken back early by Ryan Moore.

Still with plenty to do approaching the final furlong, Mission Central powered home along the stands’ rail to deny a similarly fast-finishing Rayekva (7/1) by a head, with the duo spread across the track. The 10/3 favourite Overpass fared best of those who raced prominently in third.

Mission Central was gaining a second notable success at Ascot, having won the inaugural Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes last year.

O’Brien said: “Mission Central is a very fast horse. He is unbeaten this year and progressed with every run. They went hard, which suited him. In all his previous races, he is very forward because they don't go very fast and he's got an awful lot of speed.

“Ryan gave him a great ride. He obviously knew they were going really hard. He really motivated him inside the final furlong – incredible. A big team effort and delighted for everybody involved. He is a horse that could suit The Everest at the end of the year, so he's a very exciting horse.”

Moore said: “I thought I'd won, but it's always hard when you're so wide and far apart. Aidan can do anything, can't he? Mission Central is a progressive horse. They went hard, he got into a nice rhythm and he just landed there – it worked out beautifully. I am lucky to ride for Ballydoyle and Coolmore, and everything they run this week is going to have a chance.”

Tom Magnier of Coolmore said: “It was very impressive what Mission Central did today. We have a slot in The Everest – it is a great race and one we'd love to win. It would be great to think about it, but obviously it's up to Aidan. We will see how the horse pulls up, but it would definitely be a race that you could put on the radar for him."