Colm O'Donoghue partnered his first Group 1 winner when Spartacus led home a 1-2 for trainer Aidan O'Brien in the Independent Waterford Wedgewood Phoenix Stakes.
The Danehill colt was the outsider of O'Brien's four runners at 16/1, but belied those odds when always up with the pace and rallying inside the final furlong to beat Marino Marini by 1/2L.
Stable-companion Hold That Tiger (11/10 fav) dropped away tamely inside the final 1/4m, and was later reported to be in respiratory distress.
'We always thought very highly of him, but greenness and fast ground proved too much for him at Ascot. The Prix Morny is an option for him and Marino Marini,' said O'Brien.
Kevin Prendergast took the other two juvenile events on the card with newcomer Walayef and Limerick scorer Rainbows For All, who may both be aimed at the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Walayef quickened up nicely from the furlong pole for Declan McDonogh to beat Hanabad by 3 1/2L in the 6f maiden.
Wayne Smith elected to force the pace on Rainbows For All in the Group 3 Debutante Stakes, and she stayed on gamely to deny Yesterday by 1 1/2L .
The Group 2 Royal Whip Stakes was the main supporting race on the card, and Chancellor led entering the straight under Michael Hills before holding off the challenge of Sights On Gold by 3/4L.
'He needs a battle, and went on again when the runner-up came alongside. He will be campaigned over 10f, with the Irish Champion Stakes a likely target,' said owner Bill Gredley.
Seamus Heffernan, whose whip was knocked out of his hand a furlong out in the feature aboard Marino Marini, enjoyed better fortune when landing the Group 3 sprint on One Won One.
The 8yo gelding was providing handler Joanna Morgan with her first Group race victory as a trainer, swooping late to touch off favourite Bahamian Pirate.
Fair Replacement finished strongly on the stands side under Kevin Manning to take the 6f handicap, while Dyrick Daybreak (Niall McCullagh) drew clear in the straight to take the 2m handicap.
Alan Magee
