Highland Reel seen here winning at Gowran
(Healy Racing Photos)

Sent off the 10-11 favourite after winning by 12 lengths at Gowran Park on his latest outing over a mile, he was dropping a furlong in trip.

Mark Johnston's Pallister attempted to make all, but Joseph O'Brien's mount appeared a huge threat with two furlongs to run and the son of Galileo quickened impressively clear.

Richard Hannon's Tupi stayed on nicely to claim second, two and a quarter lengths away, with Room Key third.

The winning trainer said: "He was a very impressive winner of his maiden the last day and Joseph was very happy with him. He said he had a lot of speed.

"This race just fell really nicely. The spacing of the race worked out just lovely.

"He has a lot of speed and a lot of natural energy.

"He's by Galileo and they can be classy and sharp. Joseph travelled well into the straight and then went to the line very strong."

Shield, near side, jumps the last on terms with Queen Alphabet
(Healy Racing Photos)

The five-year-old, trained by Aidan O’Brien, was off the bridle before four out and jumped the second last in sixth place. However, he got a dream run through on the inner of Here For the Craic coming to the last and jumped it on terms with Queen Alphabet.

The JP McManus-owned gelding stayed on well up the hill to beat Queen Alphabet(9/2) by a length. The runner-up travelled smoothly into contention, but got caught out by Shield’s run up the inner.

Robbie Power said: “He was kind of flat out early. His jumping kept him in it. He can be slow at hurdles, but today he was quicker. He winged the second last and I got after him. When I asked him to go quickly he did go quickly. I got after him and he quickened into the gap well. Aidan said to me beforehand to take a chance.”

Aidan O’Brien added: “You would have to be delighted with him. Robbie gave him a great ride. JP picked the race for him. He’s a good consistent horse. He definitely stays further and he loves that fast ground.

“He jumps great now. Robbie and Conn did schooling with him. Robbie said he was a bit lazy but he got a great run through and did a great job and got a peach of a ride. He’ll go jumping fences. He has already been entered in a few novice chases.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Taghrooda
(Healy Racing Photos)

Having won the Investec Oaks in June the daughter of the brilliant Sea The Starsmaintained her unbeaten record in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

In doing so she beat the older colts, becoming the first three-year-old filly to do so since Pawneese in 1976.

O'Brien ran three against Taghrooda atEpsom, including Irish Guineas winner Marvellous, and at Ascot his Breeders' Cup Turf winner Magician was well beaten, albeit unsuited by the rain which fell on Friday.

"You'd have to be very impressed with Taghrooda - a three-year-old filly. She did it well and, as I said, you'd have to be very impressed," said the Ballydoyle handler

The two year old maiden at Galway - winner Jamaica is centre in navy silks
(Healy Racing Photos)

Weld, chasing his 24th win in the race, had led O'Brien 6-2 in the previous eight renewals of the race but his Postulation had to settle for clear second best today behind the well backed Jamaica (11/10 in the morning into 4/9f).

Aidan O'Brien stated “he had a nice first run and came forward well and you'd have to be happy with that and he seemed to learn plenty.

“He won't mind the step up and could go for the Futurity Stakes next. He is a lovely natured horse with a nice rhythm and should get a mile.”

War Command
(Healy Racing Photos)

Darwin appears to have it all to do having been beaten in the Group Three Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh less than a fortnight ago, while War Command won the Dewhurst during an impressive juvenile campaign, but has been comfortably beaten in three starts so far this year.

Kingman and Toronado look a class apart in the five-runner line-up.

Since his reverse in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May, the John Gosden-trained Kingman has claimed highly impressive successes in the Irish Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot .

Toronado, last year's Sussex Stakes hero, made a winning return to the track in the Queen Anne Stakes at the Royal meeting but, being a four-year-old, faces no easy task conceding 8lb to the Gosden runner.

The field is completed by another three-year-old in Charlie Appleby's Godolphin runner Outstrip.

Venus De Milo, left
(Healy Racing Photos)

Venus De Milo was second to Thistle Bird in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh last time, while her year-younger stablemate landed Listed honours at Killarney before struggling in the Irish Oaks.

Thistle Bird stands in Venus De Milo's way again and also features amongst 10 fillies and mares confirmed for the Group One over a mile and a quarter.

Having claimed the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom for a second time, Roger Charlton's six-year-old landed her first success at the highest level with a brilliant display under George Baker in the Pretty Polly.

John Gosden has won the last two renewals of the Nassau with The Fugue andWinsili and has two representatives in contention this time in Sultanina and Eastern Belle.

Sultanina found only stable companion Pomology too strong in the Lancashire Oaksearlier this month, while the three-year-old Eastern Belle was last seen claiming a Listed prize at Newbury.

Mango Diva, Amazing Maria, Lustrous and Madame Chiang are also in contention.

There is also a potential French challenger in Narniyn, who won four races on the spin before finishing fourth against the boys in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

Shell House and Joseph O'Brien approach the line in Down Royal
(Healy Racing Photos)

The three-year-old daughter of Galileo soon led and put an injection of pace into the race at the three pole. With a quarter of a mile to go she was hard ridden to go and win her race, however, Taaluf on the outside was starting to mount her challenge.

She closed on the leader, but couldn’t get on terms as O’Brien kept his mount gun-barrel straight along the rail. There was a length in it at the finish, in favour of the 10/11 favourite. Taaluf was second at 7/1.

Joseph O’Brien said: “She won nicely. She likes that ground and is uncomplicated. It’s nice to get another win with her.”<Shell House was following up on a win in a Naas maiden over a mile in June.

Annus Mirabilis and Joseph O'Brien see off the challenge of Mr Rock
(Healy Racing Photos)

The three-year-old son of Montjeu was beaten into fourth at the Curragh on Saturday when sent off the 5/4 favourite but he made amends this evening when stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time.

Sent off the 2/1 joint-favourite he led from the start but was headed briefly a furlong and a half out after being strongly pressed from the early straight.

He soon regained the lead just over a furlong from home and he kept on well from there to score by a length and a half at the line.

Mr Rock finished second at 13/2 under Wayne Lordan for David Wachman while Hudson’s Bay, the other 2/1 joint-favourite, was a further two and a half lengths back in third.

Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "The mile and a half obviously helped him. He got the trip well and he stays well. He is in a handicap at Galway."

The winner is a half-brother to 2013 Epsom Derby winner Ruler Of The World.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.

After finishing fourth on his debut over the course and distance behindConvergence (re-opposed today) in June he got off the mark at the Curragh on his next start.

Having opened at 8/11 on-course this evening he went off the clear 4/7 favourite and raced in third.

He made progress in the straight and was ridden to lead over a furlong out, keeping on well inside the final furlong to score by three parts of a length at the line.

Tombelaine, for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen, finished second at 7/4 (was 9/4 overnight) while Convergence was a head back in third at 10/1 under Colin Keanefor Ger Lyons.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I'm delighted with that. Sometimes those three runner races can be messy. He probably learned plenty and Joseph took his time on him.

"They went slow early and then picked up. He did the right thing relaxing him and coming home. He rode him to educate him.

"I'd say he will improve a good bit as he is still babyish. Joseph said he got a little tired.

"He is not short of speed for a Galileo and staying at seven furlongs will be no harm for the moment. We could look at the National Stakes with him."

The winner, who holds plenty of big race entries, is a full-brother to Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Marvellous.

Additional reporting by 

Australia
(Healy Racing Photos)

Dual Derby hero Australia is one of many entries for Aidan O'Brien, with the likes ofLeading Light, Chicquita and King Georgecontender Magician all in the reckoning for the Group One on September 13th.

William Haggas' Coral-Eclipse winner Mukhadram is also bound for the King George this weekend, while Godolphin's African Story has not been seen since his Dubai World Cup victory in March.

John Gosden sent out The Fugue to win the race last year and he has added Western Hymn, who comfortably landed the Grand Prix de Maisons-Laffitte last Sunday.

Mick Channon has entered Amralah, a recent Listed winner at Newbury, while French master trainer Andre Fabre has also added Ocovango, fifth in last year's Investec Derby at Epsom.

Kingman is also set to line-up
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Ballydoyle handler could call upon Darwin, second in the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh, the twice-raced maiden Illusive and War Command, who was last seen finishing down the field in the Eclipse.

The headline acts are arguably Toronado and Kingman, who both feature among the nine entries.

Toronado took the prize 12 months ago and made a stunning reappearance when winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

His trainer Richard Hannon has also left in Lockinge victor Olympic Glory and Shifting Power, who was fourth in the Qipco 2000 Guineas and second in the Irish equivalent.

Kingman, trained by John Gosden, left Shifting Power trailing by five lengths in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and followed up with a wonderful success in the St James's Palace Stakes.

The filly in contention is Sir Michael Stoute's Integral, who opened her Group One account in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting.

Godolphin's Outstrip, third in the St James's Palace, completes the list.

Michaelmas and Ana O'Brien 
(Healy Racing Photos)

The son of Elusive Quality was well-regarded early in his juvenile season but has struggled in pattern company this season.

Ana O'Brien gave the three-year-old a well judged ride and he responded well when asked for an effort a furlong-and-a-half from home.

The 9/4 shot kept on well in the closing stages to post a two length winning margin and gave the rider's father Aidan a hat-trick in recent renewals of the race.

Chance To Dance was sent off the 10/11 favourite to keep up his recent good run but he couldn't peg back the winner and eventually lost second to Bold Thady Quilllate on.

“He loved that fast ground. He got the mile well and will probably get a mile-and-a-quarter,” said O'Brien senior.

O'Brien also revealed plans to run some of his string at Goodwood next week:-

“Venus De Milo will probably go for the Nassau Stakes while Eye Of The Storm will go for the two mile race (Goodwood Cup).

“We'll probably give Tapestry a bit more time and she could go to York.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)

Bazaar and Joseph O'Brien

The Galileo colt, equipped with a noseband like some of his stable companions in recent times, took over from Annadiamond from over a furlong out.

The Ballydoyle three-year-old was soon gone beyond recall and he eventually accounted for Andy Oliver's outsider Ballymac Rosey – by three lengths.

Winning rider Joseph O'Brien stated: "He's a grand horse but it was probably an ordinary race. He likely ran to a similar level as he did the first day (fifth at theCurragh).

"Hopefully he can progress and it is nice to get him to win a maiden. You'd imagine he would be better on a more conventional track but having said that he managed it alright here.

"He has a good attitude and he'll stay further. He should have no problem with a mile and a quarter and you could say that he will get a mile and a half too.

"Hopefully he'll be competitive in a handicap the next day too if he is not killed with a mark as that wasn't the greatest race in the world." (DM & EM)

Chicquita
(Healy Racing Photos)

The exciting Chicquita has yet to run for Ballydoyle and has not been seen since landing last season's Irish Oaks when trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, where she beat Venus De Milo by half a length, despite veering markedly to her left.

In contrast, Venus De Milo has been busy since, most recently finishing second to Thistle Bird in the Pretty Polly Stakes over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh.

Chicquita was sold for six million euro at Goffs last November.

O'Brien dominated Saturday's Irish Oaks, with Ribblesdale winner Bracelet leading home Tapestry in a one-two for the stable.

However, he is no rush to formulate plans for his Classic pair.

He said: "They all seem fine and we won't be in any panic with them.

"We've got Chicquita and Venus De Milo for the Yorkshire Oaks."

MacBride and Sarah O'Brien pictured on their way to victory
(Healy Racing Photos)

Ridden by Sarah O’Brien the son of Oscar went off the 3/10 favourite having won his last two bumpers at Limerick and Cork.

Settled in second behind Dubh Eile the JP McManus owned gelding improved to lead four furlongs out and he went on from there.

He was pushed along in the early straight but the whip was never drawn as he stretched clear to win easily by fourteen lengths.

Notorious Villain kept on to take second at 16/1 for Michael Mulvany, while Dubh Eile (9/2) completed the placings a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under Philip O’Donnell for his father Kevin.

Aidan O’Brien, who was in the Curragh earlier this afternoon, said afterwards: “I’m delighted with that. He is ready to go jumping whenever.

"Obviously we’ll have to discuss it with Frank and JP but he is ready to go. He jumps well at home."

He went on the talk about his Oaks runners saying: "The delay mightn’t have suited Joseph’s filly and her saddle slipped coming out of the stalls but that’s not to take away from the winner. They have all come out of the race grand."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

The daughter of Oasis Dream was second on her debut at Naas earlier this month, keeping on well in the closing stages there to finish just three parts of a length behind winner Little Rooster.

Sent off the 1/2 favourite to go one place better this afternoon she was settled in third on the outer.

She was ridden over a furlong out and soon hit the front, keeping on well from there to hold off the persistent challenge of Gussy Goose by three parts of a length.

The runner-up was returned a 4/1 chance under Fran Berry for David Wachman, while the Jim Bolger trained newcomer New Alliance (12/1) was a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under Kevin Manning.

Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "You’d have to be delighted with that. She came forward lovely from her first run.

"Joseph was very happy with her and he thinks she is a very nice filly. She will love stepping up to seven furlongs and she could be one for the Debutante or the Moyglare."

Speaking of his Oaks runners from yesterday O’Brien added: "They all seem fine and we won’t be in any panic with them. We’ve got Chicquita and Venus De Milo for the Yorkshire Oaks."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

Great Picture of the Finish to Yesterday's Darley Irish Oaks 

Bracelet, centre, comes through to win the Irish Oaks
(Healy Racing Photos)

The race was subject to a 21-minute delay as farriers removed trailers on English raider Volume’s hind shoes. These were not allowed under the rules of Irish racing.< Volume (4/1) and Kevin Manning set out to make all, but was collared by Braceleta furlong and a half from home. She rallied, but Bracelet was making the best way home in the final furlong.

Another O’Brien runner, Tapestry (13/2), stayed on well under Joseph O’Brien to pipVolume for second as the three fillies flashed past the post.

Ana O’Brien, who created history by becoming the first female jockey to ride in this Classic, got a great tune out of Beyond Brilliance who came from last to finish fourth.

Tarfasha, the 7/4 favourite, couldn’t go with the leaders in the final two furlongs and came home fifth.

Colm O’Donoghue said: “I’m very fortunate to get the ride. I’m delighted to win the Oaks. It’s very tough for Joseph choosing between three or four with equal chances. He wasn’t that far away. They are bred to win this race.

“I got a great toe into the race from Pat Smullen (on Tarfasha). To be honest I got there too soon and she minded herself a bit.”

Aidan O’Brien said: “Colm gave her a class ride. I’m delighted for everybody. It’s great for Colm, he got beaten in this race a few times. He’s a world-class rider.

“Could you believe Beyond Brilliance? Ana got an unbelievable run out of her. Ana was sure she would get the mile and a half. Tapestry ran a great race. The delay didn’t suit her on the day.”

Luca Cumani said of Volume: “They were trailers on her shoes. They put more weight on hind shoes. She’s a narrow-based filly that can knock her legs. I can only apologise for the delay we caused. She ran a great race. She’s very tough, honest and genuine. Kevin said she got slightly unbalanced over a furlong out. A bit of cut in the ground would have helped her.”

Colm O’Donoghue was adding the Irish Oaks to the Irish Derby he won on Treasure Beach in 2011.

Additional reporting by 

Dick Whittington, near side, beats Toscanini in the Anglesey
(Healy Racing Photos)

Itorio showed good speed to lead his four rivals in this six and a half furlong contest. Toscanini narrowly headed him a furlong from home, but he was swiftly grabbed by Dick Whittington and Joseph O’Brien who thundered home to win by half a length at 2/1.

Rapid Applause at 10/1 didn’t have the clearest of runs behind a weakening Itorio and Toscanini on the rail, however, when he got in the clear he finished well to be only three parts of a length off 2/1 joint favourite Toscanini.

Aidan O’Brien said: “I’m delighted. He‘s a fast horse and five or six furlongs looks his trip. I think it would be tight to get a mile with him. The Phoenix Stakes looks the race for him.”

Joseph O’Brien said: “He didn’t stay seven furlongs in Ascot the last day. He has loads of pace - six furlongs on fast ground, even five furlongs. He is a horse that could progress. He jumped and travelled well. He’s by Rip Van Winkle who is an exciting stallion. He’s done that nicely. He stuck his head out all the way to the line.”

Additional reporting by 

East India wins the opener ahead of Portage
(Healy Racing Photos)

He was one of three Aidan O’Brien runners in the race, with his stablemate St Patricks Day sent off the 4/6 favourite having run second on debut in Naas. When East India was chalked up by bookies at the track at 9/1 his price quickly tumbled to 11/2 on the off.

I Will Excel, the most experienced horse in the race, bounced out and dictated the fractions. Seamie Heffernan settled East India in sixth before taking closer order into second at the furlong pole. He powered home and collared I Will Excel under 100 yards out and won by a neck from Portage who stayed on strongly to press the winner close home.

This was Portage’s debut as well. Mick Halford’s colt cut through the field from eighth two furlongs out. He went down by a neck at 14/1, but was a length and a quarter in front of I Will Excel (7/1). St Patricks Day couldn’t land a blow in seventh.

Aidan O’Brien said: “I’m delighted. He was working like a nice horse and was just ready to start. Seamus took his time on him and relaxed him in the first half of the race. The idea was to give him a nice education and see what happens.

“He picked up really well and you couldn’t be happier with him. He’s a very well-bred horse. We’ll look for a winners’ or Listed race for him. He has the Futurity and races like that.

“Obviously he’s a horse that will get further than seven furlongs so we’ll see what comes up. He won’t have any bother stepping up I would say.”

This race was won by Australia last year. He was this year’s Epsom and Irish Derbyhero.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

East India Looks a Smart Prospect 

Shield jumps to the front at the last for Mark Walsh
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Aidan O’Brien-trained gelding, who was also first past the post at Wexford last month only to be disqualified after weighing in 8lb light (connections forgot a lead cloth when saddling up), showed a nice turn of foot in the closing stages underMark Walsh.

The J P McManus-owned 11/4 chance jumped to the front at the last and had four lengths to spare over Mumbo Bay, with The Visitor a further length and a quarter away in third.

McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry said, “He jumped well and loves the ground. Mark was keen not to go on with him today as he saw too much daylight atBellewstown.

“We were thinking of going chasing and then this race came up. He will go chasing and he jumps well.”

Tigris River (left) comes to head Special Tiara in the closing stages

The son of Montjeu was last seen finishing fourth to Fascinating Rock atLeopardstown over a mile and a quarter in March and stepped up to a mile and six this evening he was sent off the clear 4/5 favourite having opened at 4/6 on-course.

Settled in mid-division he made progress on the inner into fifth four furlongs out and travelled well into third two furlongs from home.

He came with his challenge a furlong out and he was ridden to lead inside the final 100 yards, keeping on well close home to score by a length and three parts.

Special Tiara, who led after two furlongs, finished second at 4/1 under Declan McDonogh for Henry De Bromhead (backed from 7’s on-course), while Macnicholsonwas a further length and a half back in third under Fran Berry for Jessica Harringtonat 12/1.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He was a bit keen going down to the start so I dropped him in a bit more than I was going to. They went a nice even gallop.

"He doesn’t find too much off the bridle so I wanted to hold on to him as long as I could. He has one short burst.

"He leads the likes of Australia at home and it is nice to see him get a maiden. It is beautiful safe ground out there."

Aidan O’Brien has dominated this race in recent years and he was recording his sixth win this evening in the last seven years.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Tapestry pictured on her way to victory at the Curragh last year
(Healy Racing Photos)

Beyond Brilliance, Bracelet, Just Gorgeous, Marvellous, Palace and Tapestry could all represent Ballydoyle, as O'Brien tries to win the race for a fourth time, but his first since 2008.

Marvellous was just sixth to Taghrooda a tEpsom after winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Bracelet won the Ribblesdale Stakesat Royal Ascot while Tapestry has not hit top form this year and has not run beyond a mile.

Her latest effort was in the Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting when she was sixth to Rizeena.

"Bracelet, Tapestry - Joseph (O'Brien, jockey) is happy with both of them and Marvellous. They are all there. There's the filly that won at Killarney on Monday night (Palace) and the other one that ran in that Listed race (Beyond Brilliance, third), said O'Brien.

"Joseph would be very much of the opinion that on fast ground Tapestry would love it and if there's ease in the ground we know Marvellous handles that. There are lots of options.

"We were delighted with Tapestry at Ascot. She had a break after the Guineas and it was a lovely run at Ascot. They went slow and it probably didn't suit her, but she didn't look as though she was empty when she was finishing.

"Obviously this is a big step up. That's the thing, you're not sure, but we'd have to be happy with her."

Blackstone beating Elusive Laurence into second
(Healy Racing Photos)

The 3/1 this morning was quickly snapped up and he dipped to 15/8 before racing, however, the gamble didn't continue at the track as he was returned 9/4.

He was settled in second by Joseph O'Brien behind Bane who set the fractions. O'Brien pushed his mount into the lead over two furlongs out although at the furlong pole it looked like they would be claimed by Elusive Laurence and Fran Berrywho were going ominously well.

When Berry asked for more the response didn't come from Elusive Laurence (SP of 5/2 from Evens this morning) who didn't get on terms at any stage as Blackstonekept galloping to the line to win by half a length.

Tommy Stack's Celestial Fable (33/1) kept on well in the final quarter of a mile to be nearest at the finish, a neck behind Elusive Laurence.

Joseph O'Brien said: "He's been a little bit slow to get the hang of things, but I think there's a good handicap in him. He has been a slow learner, but he's not ungenuine. He jumped the road in Fairyhouse and lost all chance."

Intense Debate, the 15/8 favourite from an opening show of 9/4, came home fourth. She was 4s this morning. Blackstone was getting off the mark at the sixth time of asking.

Palace and Seamie Heffernan (centre) come to head Dalkova (right) in the closing stages
(Healy Racing Photos)

The three-year-old daughter of Fastnet Rock was fifth in the 1000 Guineas at the Curragh in May before she finished seventh of seventeen in the Epsom Oaks.

She went down by just three parts of a length to Carla Bianca on her last start in the Listed Oaks Trial at Naas and dropped back to a mile this evening she was sent off the clear 11/8 favourite.

Ridden by Seamie Heffernan she was fifth after halfway and was ridden in fourth under three furlongs out.

She appeared to be struggling with two furlongs to race but she soon got going, keeping on best inside the final furlong to hit the front under 50 yards out before going on to score by half a length at the line.

Dalkova ran a cracker to take second at 14/1 under Niall McCullagh for Johnny Murtagh, while O’Brien also took third with Beyond Brilliance (16/1) who was ridden by his daughter Ana.

O’Brien said afterwards: "She wouldn’t mind a step up in trip and she is a hardy lady. She is in at that weekend in both the Kilboy Stakes and the Oaks. The Kilboy is a possibility.

"My horses are in that place right now where most are well and they can turn out again quiet quickly.

"The ground is a credit to Killarney. Beyond Brilliance had a great run and it’s great to get blacktype with her and Ana gave her a good ride to get third."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

Darwin is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to see off the late surge of Russian Soul
(Healy Racing Photos)

The son of Big Brown disappointed on his seasonal debut at the Curragh in May and he finished tenth of fourteen in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot on his next outing.

Both of those efforts came behind the mighty Slade Power and with no one of his calibre in the field today the victorious four-year-old entire was sent off the 2/1 favourite (opened at 3/1 on-course).

Having disputed the lead throughout he was ridden to the front two furlongs out and while he was strongly pressed inside the final furlong he just hung on to prevail by a short head.

The Mick Halford trained Russian Soul (13/2) was the one who was chased him down and he had to settle for the runner-up spot for the second year running in this contest.

Jamesie completed the placings a further half a length back in third under Fergal Lynch for David Marnane at 3/1, while the Dermot Weld trained Sailors Swanfinished a disappointing fourth at 9/4.

Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: "The last day at Ascot was a bit of a shock to his system.

"He was better today and I probably got to the front too soon but around here I needed to ride him a bit more positive as he gets the trip well.

"When he gets fast ground and a straight track I don’t know how high he can go.

"He is entitled to go back into group company now and he’d handle hard ground.

"It was grand safe ground today but anything worse than good to firm he wouldn’t really like it."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Cape Clear Island (left) is ridden out by Joseph O'Brien to just hold off Windsor Beach
(Healy Racing Photos)

The son of Fastnet Rock finished second on his first two starts, both of which were at the Curragh, and he was sent the well-backed 1/5 favourite (4/11 this morning and from 2/7 on-course) to make it third time luck today.

Prominent throughout he was ridden from under three furlongs out and he improved to lead a furlong and a half from home, impeding Baldonnel in the process.

He went a few lengths clear before the furlong pole, drifting left close home and while Windsor Beach came with a storming late charge he just held on to win by a nose.

The runner-up was returned at 33/1 under Niall McCullagh for Johnny Murtagh, while newcomer Looper (16/1) ran well to finish just three parts of a length back in third under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He just got beaten at the Curragh but the winner (Accepted) went on to win a Listed race at Tipperary yesterday and he is entitled to go up in class now.

"I think he is better than what he has showed so far. I got there too soon today and if I had to do it again I’d have got there later. I think he can progress."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Aidan O'Brien, left, welcomes in Macbride and Sarah O'Brien
(Healy Racing Photos)

Sarah O’Brien, in the JP McManus colours, had the five-year-old gelding to the fore from flagfall in this race over two miles three furlongs. Most Peculiar on the outside and Hash Brown on the inside both looked set to deliver stern challenges in the last quarter of mile, yet O’Brien kept bustling her mount along and the pair repelled their rivals.

Macbride was nicely supported before racing commenced in Cork, from 5/2 to 7/4 and he went off the 13/8 favourite. He was following up on a Limerick bumper win over two miles in May.

Most Peculiar, for Willie and Patrick Mullins, kept on to be beaten a length into second at 5/2. Hash Brown landed a place payout for those who got involved in the gamble from 14/1 to 8/1 at the track. He came home third, beaten five lengths by the winner.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “He’s ready to go jumping. JP will decide, but he might go to Galway for a maiden hurdle.”

And on his three runners (Cougar Mountain, Due Diligence and Fountain Of Youth) due to run in tomorrow’s Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket, O’Brien added: “If it rains tonight we’ll have to see about taking them out. If it doesn’t, and it rains tomorrow we’ll make a decision then. Cougar Mountain needs to run for experience, but the other two don’t.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

Due Diligence is one of three Ballydoyle runners
(Healy Racing Photos)

The two stablemates were both successful at Royal Ascot, with Sole Power scoring over five furlongs in the King's Stand Stakes, while Slade Power notched up a first Group One win over a furlong further in the Diamond Jubilee.

They form part of a strong Irish team, with Aidan O'Brien running Diamond Jubilee runner-up Due Diligence, the once-raced Cougar Mountain and Fountain of Youth.

Another exciting overseas contender is the Spanish raider Noozhoh Canarias, who showed tremendous speed when sixth in the 2000 Guineas on the Rowley Mile.

The Great War
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O'Brien's colt had won his first two races but was a big disappointment in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot where he was only fifth to Baitha Alga when sent off the 5-6 favourite.

Connections will be hoping the step up to six furlongs will bring about a revival of fortunes.

Baitha Alga is not taking up the engagement but his trainer Richard Hannon still has two decent chances in Dougal and Ivawood.

David Brown's Mind Of Madness, who was runner-up in the Norfolk, will try to go one better in this Group Two contest.

Mark Johnston relies on Coventry Stakes third Jungle Cat while William Haggas saddles Windsor Castle third Mubtaghaa.

Ustinov looked a useful colt in the making when scoring at Nottingham while Belardo, George Bowen and Muhaarar have all won their only start.

Angelic Lord and Lightning Stride make up the dozen runners.

                                                                                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sarah O'Brien after recording her first success at the Curragh last year
(Healy Racing Photos)

The five-year-old son of Galileo finished a good second behind Pique Sous in the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot last month before finishing last of seven in the Group Three Curragh Cup last weekend.

Having opened at 4/5 this morning he proved easy to back on-course going from evens to 5/4 and favourite at the off.

After racing mainly in third the chestnut victor was ridden to close under three furlongs out and he soon improved into second.

He hit the front a furlong from home and he kept on well from there to score by three lengths at the line.

Orgilgo Bay, who attempted to make all, finished second under Thomas Reilly forJohn McConnell at 9/2, while the well-backed Digeanta (5/2 to 7/4) could only manage a disappointing third for Patrick and Willie Mullins.

Sarah O’Brien, who was riding the entire for the first time this evening, said afterwards: "He was very good and he did it comfortably.

"He travelled nicely and he had plenty left. He is a little bit lazy but he is real tough and he goes on any ground or trip."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

Adelaide pictured on his way to victory at Leopardstown last year
(Healy Racing Photos)

The son of Galileo, who finished second in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last start, was sent to the front by Colm O’Donoghue as they entered the straight but he couldn't hold off the late surge of outsider Mr Speaker.

He did battle back gamely when headed but the line came in time for the surprise winner as he scored by a neck.

Toast Of New York for Jamie Osborne and Jamie Spencer could only manage sixth, while Australian raider Pornichet finished a disappointing ninth for Gai Waterhouse.

War Command
(Healy Racing Photos)

The master of Ballydoyle has saddled five previous Eclipse winners in Giant's Causeway (2000), Hawk Wing (2002), Oratorio (2005), Mount Nelson (2008) and So You Think (2011).

American import Verrazano steps up in trip having finished second in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, while War Command was behind the reopposing Night Of Thunder at Newmarket and at Ascot.

O'Brien said: "We're very happy with War Command and Verrazano and think they are progressing well."

Another intriguing challenger for Ireland is Trading Leather, who runs in the Godolphin blue for trainer Jim Bolger. Last year's Irish Derby winner suffered an odds-on reverse on his seasonal reappearance in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket, but Bolger expects considerable improvement.

He said: "He is in good form, I'm very happy with him. He was too fresh the last day, but he's fine now. When he dropped in they pulled up in front and it was just a mess of a race from there. This will be a better-run race, so we're hoping for a better run. We'd be hoping that the ground stays good, if it doesn't we'll have a problem. It looks a race to savour."

Night Of Thunder steps up to a mile and a quarter for the first time . The 2000 Guineas hero engaged in a fascinating rematch with Newmarket runner-up Kingman at Royal Ascot, but he was clear-second best in the St James's Palace Stakes.

His connections are confident the extra distance is within his compass, with his trainer Richard Hannon telling Racing UK: "He's the sort of horse you don't really notice, and I think that's what will stand him in good stead for Saturday - the fact that he is so relaxed and he's very economical when he races. He gives himself every chance of staying a mile and a quarter.

"At Ascot he was beaten fair and square, just beaten by a better horse on the day. I don't think you could say we were unlucky in any way. He (Kingman) is an exceptional horse, but our fellow is very good.

"Hughesie (Richard Hughes) had a job pulling him up after the line so that suggests to me he might be crying out for this mile and a quarter. My worry is that it might get a bit rough around that top bend, he's not massively experienced. We like our horse and hopefully there's more to come with this change in trip."

John Gosden is under no illusions about the task facing Irish Champion Stakes heroine The Fugue as she aims to follow up last month's Royal Ascot triumph. The five-year-old clinched her fourth Group One victory with a brilliant display in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and is due to turn out less than three weeks later, providing ground conditions do not deteriorate.

"It's only two and a half weeks since Ascot and remember that when they go and break track records, even if it looks as if they've done it easily, it's a big ask," Gosden told Betfred TV.

"I always feel these races are quite concertinaed, but we are happy with her.

"She wasn't well when she ran in the race last year. Going into it her blood tests and everything were perfect, but it wasn't so perfect coming out of the race. That can happen, they can be literally incubating something and it doesn't show in any tests the day before, yet with the stress of the journey and the race it explodes.

"She's won an awful lot of Group Ones since."

Rated not far below 100 on the level where she's a four time winner, the Dylan Thomas mare not surprisingly travelled at her ease against mainly National Hunt types.

In truth Robbie Power never had to ask the J P McManus-owned and Aidan O'Brien-trained 11/4 favourite for anything like the maximum and she extended away on the run-in to defeat Ellaway Rose by five lengths.

"She has learned to settle and that's the big improvement with her. She is so quick at her hurdles too," stated Power.

On conditions the Grand National winning jockey said: "The ground is summer soft." (DM & EM)

War Command
(Healy Racing Photos)

Verrazano has acquitted himself well since arriving from America, placing in the Lockinge and Queen Anne, while War Command went some way to putting a lacklustre 2000 Guineas display behind him when a staying-on fourth in the St James's Palace Stakes.

There is a third Irish challenger in the shape of Jim Bolger's Trading Leather, who landed last year's Irish Derby but managed only third in the Jockey Club Stakes on his sole outing of 2014 so far.

Irish Champion Stakes heroine The Fugue is ante-post favourite and bids to follow up her victory in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. She is closely followed in the market by Night Of Thunder, the 40-1 winner of the 2000 Guineas who has since taken second place behind Kingman in the St James's Palace.

Investec Derby runner-up Kingston Hill has been declared at the 48-hour final declaration stage, but his participation depends on the state of the ground. The Roger Varian-trained colt was a late withdrawal from the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby last weekend because conditions were considered too fast for the son of Mastercraftsman.

If he runs he will be ridden by Frankie Dettori for the first time as his usual partner Andrea Atzeni is required at Haydock by owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, who retains the young Italian on all his horses.

Atzeni said: "I'm going to Haydock for a couple of rides. When you have a retainer there's always a risk of something like this happening. I signed the contract last year and it states I go wherever I'm required.

"To be fair, Mohammed has been very good regarding Kingston Hill and has let me off a couple of times but this weekend he wants me at Haydock and I totally understand that. It's a shame, obviously, but it's one of those things.

"I'm going to ride a lovely horse (Roseburg) who has won his last two and is improving very fast. It's my job to go where Mohammed has runners. I'll be cheering Kingston on, though, make no mistake. I'm happy Frankie rides him."

Granddukeoftuscany
(Healy Racing Photos)

Among them is Granddukeoftuscany, with the Ballydoyle trainer saying after his facile recent win at Tipperary: "We'll train him for the Great Voltigeur and he'll get a rest after this."

Promising John Oxx-trained colt Streetcar To Stars would be another to note. Beaten a nose in a Listed race on just his second racecourse outing, the son of Sea The Stars had no trouble losing his maiden tag at the Curragh last week and is expected to get a Ladbrokes St Leger entry

John Gosden's possible Leger contenders Romsdal, Forever Now and Eagle Top have all been given Voltigeur entries. The Group Two is usually the strongest trial for the season's final Classic, which Gosden has landed twice in the last four years.

Eagle Top recently took the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, while Romsdal is at the top of the Leger betting after finishing third in the Investec Derby. Forever Now has already been given a good mention by his trainer after landing a Doncaster maiden.

Both Eagle Top and Forever Now are owned by Lady Bamford, and it has been suggested the former could be supplemented for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 26.

Lady Bamford's racing manager Hugo Lascelles said: "We're waiting to see what happens with Eagle Top. The King George has been mooted and he has been given an entry in the Voltigeur. We'll wait and see, but he won't be running in the Leger.

"Forever Now might run at Newmarket next week in the Bahrain Trophy, but he could end up running at York."

Highland Reel powers away in Gowran Park
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O’Brien’s Galileo colt raced in mid-division and well off the pace set by Fresh Focus and Cleano who were clear of the remainder.

With under two furlongs to race Joseph O’Brien easedHighland Reel to the front and the pair quickened away well . Inside the final furlongHighland Reel hung left, but O’Brien could afford a look over his shoulder as his rivals toiled well behind.

Taqaseem was 12 lengths back in second at 13/2 and a neck in front of 5/1 shot Hall Of Fame.

Joseph O'Brien said: “He is a lovely horse. I got to the front a bit soon. The two horses in front of me stopped a bit quicker than I had hoped. He was quite green and he had a little look at the gap [entrance to the parade ring]. I just gave him a belt to straighten out and I didn't realise I was so far ahead. He is a nice horse and you would imagine that he would be well able for a step up in class.”

Aidan O’Brien won this race for the seventh year in-a-row. Last year’s winner Indian Maharaja went on to score in Listed company. At First Sight, who took the spoils in 2009, was runner-up to Workforce in the Epsom Derby of 2010.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

Geoffrey Chaucer pictured on his way to victory at the Curragh last year
(Healy Racing Photos)

Joining the Ballydoyle runner is the Charlie Appleby-trained Pinzolo, who was also added to the field at a cost of €65,000.

An unlucky third in the Derrinstown Derby Trial on his seasonal reappearance, Geoffrey Chaucer came home last of the 16 runners behind stablemate Australia in the Investec Derby, but was hampered during the race and not given a hard time by Ryan Moore.

Pinzolo fared a little better in beating two home, having previously accounted for the useful Master Carpenter in the Fairway Stakes at Newmarket.

Leading the home defence is Sea The Moon, an unbeaten son of Sea The Stars trained by Markus Klug.

Klug has another contender in the filly Weltmacht, second in a Group Two at Hoppegarten and set to be ridden by Tom Queally.

Another major player is likely to be the Jens Hirschberger-trained Wild Chief, who was fourth to The Grey Gatsby in the French Derby.

War Command
(Healy Racing Photos)

Verrazano has acquitted himself well since arriving from America, placing in the Lockinge and Queen Anne, while War Command went some way to putting a lacklustre 2000 Guineas display behind him when a staying-on fourth in the St James's Palace Stakes.

There is a third Irish challenger in the shape of Jim Bolger's Trading Leather, who landed last year's Irish Derby but managed only third in the Jockey Club Stakes on his sole outing of 2014 so far.

Irish Champion Stakes heroine The Fugue is ante-post favourite and bids to follow up her victory in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. She is closely followed in the market by Night Of Thunder, the 40-1 winner of the 2000 Guineas who has since taken second place behind Kingman in the St James's Palace.

Investec Derby runner-up Kingston Hill has been declared at the 48-hour final declaration stage, but his participation depends on the state of the ground. The Roger Varian-trained colt was a late withdrawal from the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby last weekend because conditions were considered too fast for the son of Mastercraftsman.

If he runs he will be ridden by Frankie Dettori for the first time as his usual partner Andrea Atzeni is required at Haydock by owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, who retains the young Italian on all his horses.

Atzeni said: "I'm going to Haydock for a couple of rides. When you have a retainer there's always a risk of something like this happening. I signed the contract last year and it states I go wherever I'm required.

"To be fair, Mohammed has been very good regarding Kingston Hill and has let me off a couple of times but this weekend he wants me at Haydock and I totally understand that. It's a shame, obviously, but it's one of those things.

"I'm going to ride a lovely horse (Roseburg) who has won his last two and is improving very fast. It's my job to go where Mohammed has runners. I'll be cheering Kingston on, though, make no mistake. I'm happy Frankie rides him."

Granddukeoftuscany
(Healy Racing Photos)

Among them is Granddukeoftuscany, with the Ballydoyle trainer saying after his facile recent win at Tipperary: "We'll train him for the Great Voltigeur and he'll get a rest after this."

Promising John Oxx-trained colt Streetcar To Stars would be another to note. Beaten a nose in a Listed race on just his second racecourse outing, the son of Sea The Stars had no trouble losing his maiden tag at the Curragh last week and is expected to get a Ladbrokes St Leger entry

John Gosden's possible Leger contenders Romsdal, Forever Now and Eagle Top have all been given Voltigeur entries. The Group Two is usually the strongest trial for the season's final Classic, which Gosden has landed twice in the last four years.

Eagle Top recently took the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, while Romsdal is at the top of the Leger betting after finishing third in the Investec Derby. Forever Now has already been given a good mention by his trainer after landing a Doncaster maiden.

Both Eagle Top and Forever Now are owned by Lady Bamford, and it has been suggested the former could be supplemented for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 26.

Lady Bamford's racing manager Hugo Lascelles said: "We're waiting to see what happens with Eagle Top. The King George has been mooted and he has been given an entry in the Voltigeur. We'll wait and see, but he won't be running in the Leger.

"Forever Now might run at Newmarket next week in the Bahrain Trophy, but he could end up running at York."

Highland Reel powers away in Gowran Park
(Healy Racing Photos)

Aidan O’Brien’s Galileo colt raced in mid-division and well off the pace set by Fresh Focus and Cleano who were clear of the remainder.

With under two furlongs to race Joseph O’Brien easedHighland Reel to the front and the pair quickened away well . Inside the final furlongHighland Reel hung left, but O’Brien could afford a look over his shoulder as his rivals toiled well behind.

Taqaseem was 12 lengths back in second at 13/2 and a neck in front of 5/1 shot Hall Of Fame.

Joseph O'Brien said: “He is a lovely horse. I got to the front a bit soon. The two horses in front of me stopped a bit quicker than I had hoped. He was quite green and he had a little look at the gap [entrance to the parade ring]. I just gave him a belt to straighten out and I didn't realise I was so far ahead. He is a nice horse and you would imagine that he would be well able for a step up in class.”

Aidan O’Brien won this race for the seventh year in-a-row. Last year’s winner Indian Maharaja went on to score in Listed company. At First Sight, who took the spoils in 2009, was runner-up to Workforce in the Epsom Derby of 2010.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

Geoffrey Chaucer pictured on his way to victory at the Curragh last year
(Healy Racing Photos)

Joining the Ballydoyle runner is the Charlie Appleby-trained Pinzolo, who was also added to the field at a cost of €65,000.

An unlucky third in the Derrinstown Derby Trial on his seasonal reappearance, Geoffrey Chaucer came home last of the 16 runners behind stablemate Australia in the Investec Derby, but was hampered during the race and not given a hard time by Ryan Moore.

Pinzolo fared a little better in beating two home, having previously accounted for the useful Master Carpenter in the Fairway Stakes at Newmarket.

Leading the home defence is Sea The Moon, an unbeaten son of Sea The Stars trained by Markus Klug.

Klug has another contender in the filly Weltmacht, second in a Group Two at Hoppegarten and set to be ridden by Tom Queally.

Another major player is likely to be the Jens Hirschberger-trained Wild Chief, who was fourth to The Grey Gatsby in the French Derby.