Mastercraftsman battles back at Ascot

Mastercraftsman confirmed himself as the leading miler of his generation as he fought back to land the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Irish 2000 Guineas winner looked destined for defeat as Delegator - a shade under 1-3 in-running on Betfair at one stage - edged in front inside the final furlong but Mastercraftsman dug deep and stuck his head out to push back in front by a neck at the line.

Partnered by Johnny Murtagh, the 5-6 favourite was one of three runners for trainer Aidan O'Brien as the master of Ballydoyle went in search of a sixth success in the Group One feature.

The trio were up front right from the start with Set Sail rousted along by Seamus Heffernan to go on from Born To Be King and Mastercraftsman.

The latter took closer order and hit the front early in the straight, only for Delegator to put in a strong challenge and shade a narrow advantage as they fought out a tremendous finish, with Lord Shanakill not giving up without a struggle.

However, Mastercraftsman proved the best horse as he got back up n the shadow of the post, evoking memories of O'Brien's multiple Group One winner Giant's Causeway, who was nicknamed the 'Iron Horse' for his guts in a finish and also registered a narrow win in this race back in 2000.

O'Brien said: 'It was unbelievable, a great performance. He's an amazing horse with speed, stamina, and all ground comes alike to him.

'It was a great performance from the horse and a marvellous performance from Johnny.

'His most impressive performance was last year over six furlongs in the Heinz on good to firm ground.

'If he steps up to a mile and a quarter I don't think he'll have a problem with that.'

Murtagh added: 'I committed him early enough, he's a bit lazy when he hits the front.

'When Delegator came to him you could see my horse had his head was down and he was really trying.

'He gave 110%, he's brave, courageous, he's like all the great horses I ride for Ballydoyle - they never know when they're beaten.

'He's won a Guineas and a St James's Palace over a mile, he's not short of speed. I think he's a true champion and he deserves a lot of credit.'

Delegator's trainer Brian Meehan said: 'I was very pleased with his performance and 50 yards out it looked like he had his head in front.

'It was a hell of a run and it pours ice on all the people who knocked him in Ireland.

'I'll have to take him home and sleep on it before deciding where he goes next.'

Karl Burke, trainer of Lord Shanakill, added: 'He's never let me down but I felt I let him down by running him in the (2000) Guineas.

'Today he's proved he gets the mile and that he's trained on. He'll have an entry in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly (5 July).'