Courageous triumph for O'Brien colt

Giant's Causeway gained another narrow verdict over Kalanisi as he dipped further into his apparently bottomless well of courage to triumph in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York yesterday.

In almost a carbon copy of last month's Coral-Eclipse Stakes, at the end of a gruelling and thrilling encounter Giant's Causeway was a head up on his old foe.

Giant's Causeway had appeared in serious danger of playing second fiddle to his rival in the £450,000 showpiece on the Knavesmire.

But one glimpse of Kalanisi in the final stages was enough for Giant's Causeway to find the extra required to secure his fourth successive Group One victory.

"It was only when he eyeballed the other horse near the finish and he realised he might be beaten that he pulled out a little extra," said jubilant jockey Michael Kinane.

"He's a special horse and he's not finished yet - he's worth getting up for in the morning."

Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "It's a bit of a macho thing with this horse. He just doesn't like being passed. He's inclined to play with other horses - he let's them come to him then goes on again."

Connections had thrown in a pacemaker Shoal Creek to ensure an even gallop for Giant's Causeway who was bidding to follow up his victories in the St James's Palace Stakes, Eclipse Stakes and Sussex Stakes.

Shoal Creek did the job well, staying in front until Giant's Causeway, the 10 to 11 favourite, went on at the two furlong pole.

However, Kalanisi was being wound up for a challenge on the outside at the same time.

Pat Eddery's mount did edge ahead but wandered towards his rival and in the final 50 yards Giant's Causeway forced his way to the front again.

The pair had pulled away from the other three runners with Lear Spear six lengths back in third.

"The trip doesn't matter to this horse - he just waits for them to come to him at any distance," said O'Brien.

"I was a bit worried this time as the two horses were so far apart. But once he got a view of Kalanisi I knew he would do it. He just likes to intimidate other horses and be the boss."

O'Brien is convinced that Giant's Causeway has improved substantially since the spring when he was beaten into second place by King's Best in the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas.

"He was 36 kilos heavier today than he was in the Guineas and I'm sure we're only getting the tip of the iceberg from this horse," he said.

Next stop for Giant's Causeway is the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot next month.

He is likely to end the campaign in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on November 4th for which he is quoted at 4 to 1 favourite by Coral.

Kalanisi's owner the Aga Khan took the reverse sportingly and said: "That was a wonderful race. They are two great horses but the winner is as tough as nails."

Kinane notched a treble with earlier wins on Hemingway and Royal Rebel.

Hemingway, also trained by O'Brien, had bookmakers rewriting 2,000 Guineas prices after a sparkling display in the Breckenbrough Racing Acomb Stakes.

William Hill were the most impressed, quoting 8 to 1, with the other leading layers offering 10s.

Hemingway, an 8-13 chance, was in front from the outset in the Listed race and saw off his only serious threat, Eminence, from the furlong pole.

He went on to score by one and a quarter lengths with seven lengths back to the third horse Saratov.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien has a strong head with Minardi generally second best in the betting for the 2,000 Guineas.

Owner Michael Tabor said: "It's pleasing to see him win again and hopefully he will improve. It looks like he needed all of the seven furlongs and Minardi is a different type of horse.

"The Derby hasn't been a successful race so I hope this might be a Derby horse."