Danedream continued a landmark season for German racing by catching Nathaniel right on the line in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Just last month, the sport's emerging national force had toasted their first ever success at the Royal meeting through Energizer, and likewise this was their maiden victory in the leading midsummer distance event.

Despite odds of 9-1, Danedream was hardly an unknown quantity after smashing the record time in last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but Peter Schiergen's diminutive filly was required to prove herself again after a confusing recent performance in France.

Nathaniel, out again just a fortnight after his gritty triumph in the Coral-Eclipse, has established himself as a near-impossible obstacle to pass once in front, and jockey William Buick must have thought a remarkable double had been secured passing the furlong marker.

Andrasch Starke was over a length behind once Danedream was loosened for her challenge, but she responded in determined style and held the advantage by a nose at the post, with St Nicholas Abbey making up a considerable amount of ground to take third, a length and a half back.

Starke, who received a six-day whip ban, said: "It was very tight, but I had a good feeling. This was most definitely one of the best races in the last few years, with so many class horses. It's an unbelievable moment for Germany.

"I said before never to forget the best performance from a horse and she had won the Arc. We don't really know what went wrong last time, but with animals it is going to happen. She fought hard and it's definitely the biggest moment in my life.

"It's tough for her as a filly with the jump from three to four (years old), and this was going to be a difficult track with ups and downs. I think this was the most difficult race, so today is a historic win for her."

Schiergen added: "I thought we were second, but now it's better we are first. The last race there was no pace, but today there was a good pace. It's very important for Germany and it's very good for German racing.

"If everything is all right, we'll go to Baden-Baden (Grosser Preis Von Baden) next and after that we'll go to the Arc. She will probably end her career in the Japan Cup."