O'Brien claims 15th Group One win

O'Brien's horse Duke of Marmalade won at Ascot on Saturday

In-form trainer Aidan O'Brien secured his 15th Group One win of the season as Mastercraftsmen took victory in the Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh.

The Danehill Dancer colt, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, sprinted clear to put up the best performance by a two-year-old so far this season.

Jamie Spencer was four-and-a-half lengths behind on the pre-race favourite Art Connoisseur.

Mastercraftsman is now favourite for the 2000 Guineas, in from 16-1 to 6-1.

Murtagh was very complimentary about the winner afterwards, in the absence of O'Brien who was watching his son compete in a three-day event.

"Aidan said to me during week the horse was ready for today," said Murtagh.

"He's coming on all the time and although he had a hard race the last day he probably needed it. "We wanted to make it a good solid pace as he probably needs seven furlongs.

"He was very professional and honest, and has a great stride."