Giant's Causeway, runner-up in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas, finally recorded a big-race victory when holding on tenaciously in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The well-backed 7-2 favourite raced prominently under Michael Kinane as Bachir - his Curragh conqueror - cut out the early running at a decent pace in the Group One contest run over the Old Mile.
As the field turned for home Kinane sent Aidan O'Brien's colt to the front on the inside of Bachir with the outsiders Valentino and Medicean making ground.
Giant's Causeway stuck his neck out as the line approached and he repelled the late challenges of 16-1 chances Valentino and Medicean, who did not enjoy a clear passage on the far rail, by a head and three-quarters of a length.
Kinane, who blamed himself for Giant's Causeway's defeat at the Curragh, said: 'He'd had a couple of hard races so I tried to get him to travel and it proved the wrong tactic. Fair dues to the horse he's made up for it today - he's a good colt.'
The jockey believes his mount will be suited by further.
He said: 'In the final furlong his stamina stood him in good stead and I think he's a horse who will be suited by a step up to a mile and a quarter.
'He could have a break now and maybe the race at York (Juddmonte International Stakes) would suit him.'
Co-owner Michael Tabor said: 'It was always the plan for Michael to be more positive on him in this race.
'He's a very good horse. He's finished second in two Classics and now won the St James's Palace. What more can you ask?'
Tabor admitted backing the horse: 'I thought he was a bet to nothing at 4-1 each-way. I thought he was certain to be in the frame, but that he could maybe get touched off.'
Giant's Causeway was giving O'Brien his fourth winner at the Royal meeting. -PA
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