Black Minnaloushe followed up his Irish 2000 Guineas victory by winning the St James's Palace Stakes at Ascot.

Weak in the betting market, the Aidan O'Brien horse drifted out to 8-1 and stable jockey Mick Kinane actually favoured the trainer's other runner Minardi.

But Kinane's decision allowed Johnny Murtagh the ride, the winning combination in Ireland.

And the duo combined again to hold off Frankie Dettori and Noverre who finished second, and Olden Times ridden by Gerard Mosse who finished third.

It gave O'Brien another Group One success, following hot on the heels of his Epsom double.

Inside the final furlong Black Minnaloushe moved outside Minardi to begin his challenge.

"It was great," said a delighted Murtagh. "I picked him up in the Irish Guineas but everyone said that was a fluke.

"He's a very good horse, improving all the time. He was very settled today and won professionally."

The Ascot ground was far quicker than that which Murtagh had won the Irish Guineas on, but it was the draw which held most concerns for the jockey.

"I was drawn one which isn't ideal for this horse but he travelled brilliantly," added Murtagh.

"When I got the gap he was always going to win."

Full result: Ascot 1545 BST:
1. Black Minnaloushe ( J Murtagh) 8-1
2. Noverre (L Dettori) 9-2F
3. Olden Times (G Mosse) 16-1
All 11 ran