Secret Gesture led from pillar to post as she returned to action with a Group Three win in the Betfred Middleton Stakes at York.

The Ralph Beckett-trained five-year-old finished second in the race in 2014 but went one place better in some style as she held off Talmada by a length and half.

Secret Gesture (7-2) appeared very keen in the hands of Andrea Atzeni and there was clear daylight between her and the field turning for home, with Talmada setting out in pursuit.

While Atzeni had to get to work in the final couple of furlongs, Secret Gesture found plenty for pressure and fended off all challengers, with Ribbons staying on late for third.

Beckett said: "She deserved that, she's been at it every year and has always bumped into one or two in the big races. She is extremely consistent.

"I don't think Andrea could believe how clear he was when he looked through his legs. We know she likes it here, but it was a late decision to run. She came back looking very big and well from her summer break.

"It will be the Pretty Polly at the Curragh (June 28) now, I would think. A month ago I was thinking we would have to start her off there. She's not ground dependent."

Owner Sheikh Fahad said: "I think she deserves it. If any filly deserves a Group race, it is her. She's been very consistent and Ralph has done a magnificent job.

"We sat down at the end of last year and decided to give her another year and she has repaid us today.

"Andrea came with a plan and executed exactly as he wanted to. He's a genius when it comes to big races like this."

Atzeni said: "She's very straightforward. She was a bit fresh early on but I managed to get a breather into her on the bend and she quickened again. She loves the ground, she's very honest and the tailwind was a help in the straight.

"Ralph left it to me as she's run well from the front and from behind, but there didn't appear to be much pace in the race so the plan was to go forward anyway.

"She won well there and she's definitely going the right way. She's obviously improving with age."

James Fanshawe was delighted with the effort of Ribbons, a Group One winner last year.

He said: "I'm really pleased with that, considering she likes slower ground.

"It was a nice first run back, especially with a penalty.

"Where she goes next, I've no idea, she's in everything but it will be where the ground is good or softer."