Flag flies high in Curragh Cup

Flag Of Honour revelled in the step up in trip when claiming the Comer Group International Curragh Cup this afternoon.

The Ballydoyle colt failed to make much impression in the French Derby last time but proved a cut above his rivals in today's Group 2 contest.

Ryan Moore bounced out in front on the Galileo colt and he saw out the mile-six trip well.

He was asked to assert passing the two pole and stayed on stoutly to hold stable-mate Giuseppe Garibaldi by a length-and-a-half.

“Ryan thought that the trip was no problem for him and he said he handles an ease as well as fast ground,” said Aidan O'Brien.

“He said he could be a Leger horse and could turn into a Melbourne Cup horse. Rekindling won that race last year. They are the possibilities.

“When we were doing the jockey bookings I didn't know which one to put Ryan on because Giuseppe has improved and improved and doesn't do much at home so it's hard to work him out.

“This horse would have run in a Derby if we had had him in it. It was good to find out that he gets this trip.

“Wayne's horse (Victory Salute - finished fourth) ran a lovely race and he'll progress on. He's only a maiden and was green.”