Waterville is pushed out by Seamie Heffernan© Photo Healy Racing
Waterville completed a cross-card treble for Aidan O'Brien, as he showed his class in the concluding Regeneron Ireland Day At The Races Handicap.
Earlier on the mark at Royal Ascot with Meditate and Changingoftheguard (his 80th winner at the Royal meeting), the master of Ballydoyle was expected to take this two-mile-one furlong contest, with Waterville going off the even money favourite.
Beaten at odds-on on his previous three starts, the Camelot colt was making his debut in handicap company this evening, stepping markedly up in trip.
Settled behind the leaders by Seamie Heffernan, he was nudged along from the five-furlong pole, coming with his challenge early in the straight.
Pushed along to lead a furlong and a half from home, he was soon ridden clear, going on to score easily by six-lengths. Rich Belief (8/1 to 11/2) ran on to take second under Robbie Colgan for Karl Thornton, while Curious Bride (50/1) was a head back in third.
Chris Armstrong, stable representative, said: "Aidan has always liked him, he has worked well at home and has had a couple of good runs. He is starting to put it together and might have a bit of a rest now for a while and could come back for an autumn campaign.
"He did it easy enough, we'll see what the handicapper does as there are plenty of good staying handicaps and something like the Great Voltigeur (August at York) could also be an option.
"Hopefully he realises the potential that Aidan and the team have always held him in. These staying distances could be his forte going forward, as he strengthens up and matures."
STEWARDS REPORT
A.J. Slattery, rider of Fox Fearless (GB) trained by Oliver McKiernan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount slowly away from the stalls.
D. McMonagle, rider of Choice Of Mine (AUS) trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.
R.C. Colgan, rider of Rich Belief (GB) trained by Karl Thornton, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right on the bend into the straight.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
