Charlie Appleby couldn't hide his delight after Notable Speech delivered a breathtaking performance to win the Boyle Sports Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, cementing his status as one of the sport's elite milers.

The 2-1 favourite, ridden by William Buick, produced a devastating turn of foot that left his rivals trailing. The 2000 Guineas winner from two years ago had shown glimpses of his brilliance before, including a victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile last season, but this was something special. After an unlucky run at Keeneland earlier this year, Notable Speech proved he's back to his absolute best.

Settling smoothly into the race, Buick bided his time before unleashing his mount with three furlongs to go. Notable Speech quickened effortlessly, pulling clear to win by two lengths from William Haggas' More Thunder, who ran a career-best race in second.

"He's got some turn of foot," said Appleby, who was celebrating a double after a lean spell at his Moulton Paddocks yard. "We were stood there watching thinking 'I'm happy, as not many horses can quicken like he can.' William knows him inside out and has the confidence on him – and I have the confidence in both of them."

The victory was particularly significant as it confirmed Notable Speech's future as a stallion, with Appleby adding: "The team at home have done a great job. Colm O'Donoghue rides him and told me he's in the form of his life – and he was right. That's a stallion-making win for him."

Looking ahead, Appleby confirmed the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot is next on the agenda. "We were unlucky in the Queen Anne last year," he reflected. "But we've learned about this horse, and knowing what we know now, we would have gone very close last year."

For racing fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, Notable Speech's dominant display is a reminder of the sheer class that makes this sport so compelling. Whether you're trackside or watching from home, moments like these are what racing is all about.