British raider Deacon Blues recorded a highly impressive win in the Group 3 Patrick P. O’Leary Memorial Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh under Johnny Murtagh.

The son of Compton Place, sent off a prohibitive 4/11 favourite, moved to the front over a furlong out before quickening in tremendous style for an effortless seven lengths win over Empowering

Winning trainer James Fanshawe was not present for Deacon Blues’ win, his third in succession.

Fellow British raider Hitchens, successful here in May, was taken out due to the rain-softened ground.

Thomas Weekes