Sea The Stars triumphs in Ireland

Sea The Stars went off at 4-6 favourite at Leopardstown

Epsom Derby winner Sea The Stars showed his class once again as he strode to a hugely impressive victory in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

John Oxx's colt had been a doubt for the race because of soft ground but he clinched his fifth successive Group One victory in magnificent style.

Mick Kinane's mount took the lead at the furlong marker and had two lengths to spare from Fame And Glory.

Mastercraftsman, runner-up to Sea The Stars at York last month, took third.

The son of Cape Cross added the £505,000 first prize to his 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Eclipse and Juddmonte International triumphs.

John Oxx's colt went off at 4-6 favourite as Aidan O'Brien's horses Set Sail and Rockhampton produced a strong early gallop in an attempt to boost the chances of their stablemates Fame And Glory and Mastercraftsmen.

Fame And Glory made a brave bid for glory at the two furlong marker but Sea The Stars quickly drew level before pulling clear in the closing stages.

I was amazed that he's actually won by more than a length

John Oxx

Sea The Stars is now the 7-4 favourite with both Paddy Power and William Hill for next month's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe while he may also be aimed at the Breeders' Cup Classic later in the autumn.

Trainer Oxx was delighted at Sea The Stars' performance.

"He was on the top of his form - actually heavier now than he'd been at any stage of his career," added Oxx.

"We'd have been so disappointed not to have run him, and I when walked the track on Friday night I was pleasantly surprised how much it had dried out.

"I was amazed that he's actually won by more than a length - he doesn't usually do that.

"We'll look at the Arc first, but that depends on the ground."

Irish Champion Stakes (Leopardstown)

1. Sea The Stars (M J Kinane) 4-6 Fav
2. Fame And Glory (J Murtagh) 9-4
3. Mastercraftsman (S Heffernan) 6-1

9 ran. Dist: 2.5, 2.5 dist