Racing: George Washington could manage only third as Caradak benefited from a strong Frankie Dettori ride to run out a narrow winner of the totesport Celebration Mile at Goodwood today.
Godolphin's charge was involved in a protracted battle with runner-up Killybegs but fought bravely to deny the Barry Hills-trained colt in a thrilling finish.
Aidan O'Brien's 2000 Guineas hero George Washington was slowly away and held up towards the rear before finishing strongly but never looked like overhauling
the first two.
River Tiber fulfilled his role as pacemaker to George Washington by setting a furious gallop throughout the early stages.
He opened up a considerable lead on his five pursuers entering the home straight but those exertions inevitably took their toll and he folded entering the distance.
At that point, Dettori pushed 6-1 chance Caradak into a narrow lead over Killybegs (50-1) and the pair engaged in a rousing battle to the line.
Killybegs lost little in defeat, only going down by a short-head, while George Washington, who was very keen in the early exchanges, found his stride late on
to claim third.
Mick Kinane was determined to try and settle O'Brien's three-year-old in the rear before asking him to stretch out inside the last couple of furlongs. Having taken a while to find top gear, he caught the eye once switched towards the stands rail and saw out the one-mile contest strongly.
"They went slow for the first bit but then the pacemaker went a bit too quick and I used him as a target," said Dettori to the BBC.
"I really expected the two good horses (George Washington and Soviet Song) to come through at the furlong marker, but I realised when I had a quick look that they were a good bit behind, so me and Michael (Hills, on Killybegs) made the best of it to the winning post.
"I must say he is a tremendous battler, he really gets his head down and tries."