Milan powers to Doncaster victory

Milan produced a sensational burst of speed at the furlong post to record the first Irish victory since 1972 in the Rothman`s Royals St Leger at Doncaster today.

On that occasion it was Boucher, trained by Vincent O`Brien, who travelled from Ballydoyle to grab the honours.

Today it was the great trainer`s namesake Aidan who greeted the victor, his 15th Group One winner of the campaign.

Another O`Brien inmate Saddler`s Creek set a searching pace early in the mile and six furlongs event but was headed by Demophilos as the field turned for home.

Amanda Perrett`s charge swept into a clear lead in the straight and looked as though he may hold on approaching the final furlong.

However, Mick Kinane - riding in his first St Leger - produced his charge at this point and in a matter of seconds the race was over as Milan cut down the deficit and swept clear to record a five lengths verdict in favour of the 13-8 favourite.

The Barry Hills-trained Mr Combustible finished a further three lengths back in third.

Kinane said: 'Everything went well. The plan was always to take my time. He`s the class horse in the race.

'He never looked better than he did today in the parade ring. I had plenty of horse under me and it was a matter of biding my time. He`s a fantastic horse.'

Kinane added that Milan was unlucky not to have won the French Derby.

Richard Quinn, rider of Demophilos, said: 'We just had no answers to the winner`s surge. Up until then, we were going to win it.

'My horse has done nothing wrong. He has galloped to the line. They have run against each other twice and he has beaten me twice.'

Milan`s Joint owner Michael Tabor, whose Galileo was beaten by Fantastic Light a week earlier in the Ireland The Food Island Irish Champion Stakes, said the win was 'fantastic'

He added: 'It was a great result. There is a lot of history behind this race so I am delighted to win it.'

He said the horse had a chance of running in the Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp after his impressive showing.

He paid tribute to Aidan O`Brien`s massive racing operation at Ballydoyle.

'His success rate speaks for itself. I enjoy being with them and I am very happy with the situation. His attention to detail, as I have said on many occasions, is second to none. He just loves to train racehorses.'

Milan`s success was tempered by a blow to stablemate Mediterranean who pulled up as the 10-strong field rounded the bend into the straight.

However, the injury did not look as serious as first feared and the 7-1 chance walked into the horse ambulance before being brought back to the racecourse stables.