Dick Whittington (nearest) gets the better of Kool Kompany (centre) and Cappella Sansevero© Photo Healy Racing
Dick Whittington provided Aidan O’Brien with his thirteenth success in the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes as he just got the better of the odds-on 8/11 favourite Kool Kompany
Three of the original nine for this contest were earlier taken out due to the change in ground, with the favourite Anthem Alexander among the non-runners along with the Aidan O’Brien trained duo The Great War and War Envoy.
As a result Joseph O’Brien switched to the winner who was due to be ridden by Colm O’Donoghue.
After opening at 13/2 on-course the son of Rip Van Winkle was sent off a 6/1 chance and he was settled behind the leaders in the early stages.
He was ridden and bumped by Kool Kompany on the outer from under two furlongs out and he had a great battle with that rival from there, getting up close home to score by half a length. Cappella Sansevero (13/2) hit the front a furlong and a half from home but he couldn't hold off the front duo and had to settle for third, just a short head back under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons. Beach Belle was sent off at 4/1 and she finished a further two lengths back in fourth.
Aidan O'Brien, who was completing a double on card with son Joseph, said afterwards: "He's a tough, hardy horse. We weren't sure before today if he would get a mile or not but after that you would think he will.
"He won very well on fast ground at Navan, and I'd say the ground doesn't seem to bother him.
"He's had a busy enough time for a young horse so we won't be in any panic with him now. He's had a tough race there and we'll give him a little break.
"The dad (Rip Van Winkle) was very genuine, and it's good to see he's passed that on."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final two furlongs involving Dick Whittington, ridden by J.P.O'Brien, placed first and Kool Kompany, ridden by R. Hughes, placed second. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judge's placings, however they did caution R.Hughes to ride with more care in future.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
