Sir George Somers made an encouraging debut at the MCR Systems Symphony Maiden Stakes at the Windsor Racecourse in Berkshire on Monday.

The Bermudian-owned thoroughbred, who was sent off at 17-2, finished the 1¼-mile race in sixth position out of nine runners.

The three-year-old’s performance earned the praise of Harry Herbert, the manager of Highclere, the racing syndicate in Berkshire that oversees the Bermuda Thoroughbred Racing operation.

“Sir George Somers made a very encouraging debut and ran very, very well,” he said.

“He just got a bit tired in the soft ground after he looked sure to be third.

“He set off and travelled supremely well throughout the race. He got a little bit unbalanced as you expect on his debut.”

Herbert said that Ted Durcan, who rode Sir George Somers, was impressed with the horse in his first outing.

“Ted Durcan [the jockey] on dismounting said he thought he was going to be third for sure but the horse just got a little bit tired,” Herbert added.

“He said he was very impressed with him and that on better ground he will go on to be the most wonderful horse.”

Sir George Somers, named after the founder of Bermuda, is trained by Sir Michael Stoute, arguably the most successful trainer in British history.

Johnny Barnes, BTR’s flagship horse, was in action last weekend, finishing fourth at the toteScoop EBF Stallions King Richard III Stakes in his first outing of the season.

Simon Scupham, the BTR chairman, was at Leicester Racecourse for Johny Barnes’s race and said his performance should set him up nicely for his upcoming races.

“Johnny Barnes ran an excellent race in what was a very hot- listed race packed full of horses which could be heading for the group one Lockinge Stakes next month,” Scupham said.

“John Gosden [the horse’s trainer] had him looking in fantastic condition and Rab Havlin [his jockey] said before the race that his work had been good at home so they were hoping for a pleasing run.

“John Gosden was delighted with the run and said it sets us up nicely for the season ahead.”

Scupham added: “This really was a very pleasing start to the season from Johnny and I’m sure he will continue to give everyone a lot of fun over the coming months in group and listed races.”