Racing:Sea The Stars bagged his fifth successive Group One victory as he strolled away with the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Sent off the 4-6 favourite, Mick Kinane just had to give the 2000 Guineas and Derby winner the signal as John Oxx's superstar rocketed away from Fame And Glory.
Mastercraftsman stuck on for third to give Aidan O'Brien a clean sweep of the minor places.
With O’Brien fielding five of the nine-strong field, it was no surprise to see outsider Set Sail and Rockhampton rushed up to the lead in the early stages.
The latter set a furious pace for the first half of the 10-furlong heat before fading to let his stable companion do his share of the work.
Kinane was wise to the situation, though, and bided his time before starting to work into the race turning for home.
Sea The Stars was perfectly positioned on the heels of Fame And Glory and, although Johnny Murtagh made his challenge on the runner-up, Kinane had the move covered.
Switching wide, Oxx’s charge powered past the 9-4 shot, who had no answer to the Eclipse and International Stakes winner’s turn of foot.
Sea The Stars came home a comfortable two and a half lengths to the good to confirm the Derby form with Fame And Glory.
To heighten the sense of accomplishment, Sea The Stars was a long-term concern to even compete in the race.
The Cape Cross colt’s participation in the Champion Stakes was under threat all week due to the likelihood of testing conditions at Leopardstown.
Oxx took a risk, however, and gave the three-year-old the go ahead to run earlier in the day.