Irish joy over Johannesburg

Kinane gives Johannesburg a celebratory pat

Irish raider Johannesburg was crowned the best two-year-old in the world with a dashing win at the Breeders' Cup meeting.

The brilliant two-year-old colt, gave trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Mick Kinane their first success at the meeting.

And in the process, he shattered the hopes of his American rivals, including the odds-on favourite Officer.

Johannesburg, owned by former British bookmaker Michael Tabor, had never run on the dirt surface or over the one mile, half-furlong trip.

He's always been a serious horse from day one - just pure natural ability

Johannesburg trainer Aidan O'Brien

But that counted for little as the horse clocked up his seventh consecutive victory, with Repent in second and Siphonic third.

British bookmakers William Hill quoted Johannesburg as the 7-2 favourite for the Kentucky Derby and 9-2 for the English 2000 Guineas.

The races usually fall on the same day and connections have the winter to decide the colt's target.

Earlier, French filly Banks Hill lifted European spirits with an awesome win in the Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Turf.

The three-year-old, trained by Andre Fabre and ridden by OIivier Peslier, cruised clear of the field for an emphatic win.

And it brought relief to the European team after four American victories had opened the meeting.

Banks Hill was returned an 11-4 favourite by bookies in Britain, where she was bred.

Spook Express (16-1) and Spring Oak (14-1) were back in second and third.