Oratorio ends Motivator record

Shamardal forced to retire

Epsom Derby winner Motivator lost his unbeaten record when he was pipped at the post by Oratorio in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

The withdrawal of French 2,000 Guineas and Derby winner Shamardal with a career-ending injury cut the field down to six, with Motivator the favourite.

Hazyview led early on, with Motivator well placed, but as they turned for home Johnny Murtagh's mount went clear.

But Kieren Fallon stole a half-a-length win, with Altieri finishing in third.

It was another big race triumph for the jockey-trainer partnership of Fallon and Aidan O'Brien, who only came together earlier this season, and sweet revenge for Oratorio's defeat by Motivator in the Derby.

Maybe the ground was against Motivator, but take nothing away from Oratorio - a really tough horse From North East Girl Have your say on Five Live

Over the longer course at Epsom, Motivator came home 25 lengths clear of tenth- placed Oratorio, but the shorter course at Sandown was more suited to the Irish horse.

"A mile and a quarter (2 km) here, uphill, was always going to suit him," said Fallon.