Sword slays rivals from the front in Chester Vase

Aidan O'Brien recorded a 1-2 in the Virgin Money Chester Vase but the result was not as most punters would have predicted as 25/1 chance Golden Sword made all under Colm O'Donoghue.

Johnny Murtagh was content to sit in rear a fair way off the pace on 13/8 favourite Masterofthehorse, as the winner was allowed an easy lead out in front.

Murtagh did not make a move until two furlongs out by which time Golden Sword had kicked clear of the other runners. The favourite made rapid headway but was still two lengths down at the line, with Debussy in third.

O'Donoghue said, 'He's done it really well, I'm really happy with him. He's improved for his first run in France where he put up a good run over a mile and a quarter.'

'The step up in trip today suited him well. He's not short of pace, he's a big, strong horse and has got a great action. He's always shown plenty and we thought he'd be better at three. I'm delighted and not surprised.'

Murtagh added, 'I rode him as I was told. In two of his races last year he was ridden handy and didn't finish his races. Aidan said to drop him in today, let him relax and finish his race.'

'Colm nicked three lengths turning in and was able to maintain it, and his horse ran a good race in France last time out. I was happy with my horse and the way he finished.'

Sky Bet introduced the winner into their Investec Derby market at 25/1, while William Hill go 33's.

Victor Chandler cut Masterofthehorse to 14/1 from 20's for Epsom but Sky Bet and Hills left him unchanged at 20/1.