National glory for George Washington

GEORGE WASHINGTON overcame a stumble at the start to record a smooth victory in the Laing O’Rourke National Stakes at the Curragh yesterday.

Kieren Fallon’s mount was slowly out of the stalls and nearly pecked when one of his rivals went across him.

But the 2-11 shot came from last to first with consummate ease to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his sixth success in the Group One contest.