Giant's Causeway sweeps to victory

Giant's Causeway came second in the 2,000 Guineas

Giant's Causeway, ridden by Michael Kinane, has won the £156,000 St James Palace Stakes at Ascot.

The 16-1 outsiders Valentino and Medicean came home second and third, respectively.

Giant's Causeway, the 7-2 favourite, was running neck-and-neck with the Godolphin horse Bachir for most of the race.

The much-fancied Bachir took an early lead in the old mile race, while Kinane's ride took the inside rail and kept in touch with the front-runner for the opening furlongs.

I've got a few quid now which should last me until next week

Michael Kinane

Coveted win

The two horses were slowly pulled back by the rest of the field as the final furlong approached them, with the Godolphin horse sucked back into the pack.

But the final few yards were not formality for the Aidan O'Brien trained horse, as Valentino made a late charge for the line.

However Kinane held on to secure the coveted win which made up for the runner-up spot that both he and the horse occupied in the 2,000 Guineas and the Irish Guineas.

"I felt I wanted him to travel at the Curragh and it was the wrong tactic," said Kinane.

"I've got a few quid now which should last me until next week."

Owner Michael Tabor was delighted with the win.

"He's a very good horse," said Tabor.

"It was a strong race and now we must look towards the future."