Racing:Sea The Stars further enhanced his reputation as a modern great with yet another brilliant Group One victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. John Oxx's colt was sent off at 1-4 to add to the already substantial success he has enjoyed in the 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the Eclipse.
In what was essentially a match with Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes scorer Mastercraftsman, the pair drew readily clear of the Ballydoyle pacemakers Georgebernardshaw and Set Sail halfway up the home straight as the battle commenced in earnest.
While Mastercraftsman was first to play his cards and briefly looked as though he may cause an upset, Sea The Stars gradually engaged top gear and wore him down under Mick Kinane to take top honours.
Oxx said: "They probably went a steady pace and of course Mastercraftsman is no tourist. He took it to him there at the end and just made him work.
"He's just had to fight a bit and he only just does enough, but as long as he keeps winning we won't worry."
Kinane added: "I asked him to go and quicken up between the two Ballydoyle pacemakers which was probably a bit of a risky manoeuvre but I wanted to follow Johnny (Murtagh, on Mastercraftsman) through.
"So I let him quicken up and then eased him down. Then Johnny quickened and found a couple of lengths and his horse has run a hell of a race.
"Just a combination of those things made it more difficult than maybe it should have been."
Delighted winning owner Christopher Tsui said: "I'm feeling great and it's just unbelievable.
"It did look in doubt for a second, but I saw Mick and he was just waiting and waiting for the right moment. It was just unbelievable to watch that."
Aidan O'Brien said of Mastercraftsman: "This fellow loves to get into a battle, but Mick rode a brilliant race on Sea The Stars. It was a great race and the winner is a great horse.
"He's not short on speed, our fellow, but he can run either over a mile or a mile and a quarter. I'm not sure where he will go now - all options are open to him."
Murtagh added: "He ran his heart out and I'm very proud of him. The distance was no problem today, and we nearly got there."