Fame the cream of the Crop

Fame And Glory proved himself on course for the defence of his Ascot Gold Cup crown when getting the better of gallant mare Unaccompanied in the listed Vintage Crop Stakes in Navan yesterday.

Ridden for the first time by Joseph O’Brien, the five-time Group 1 winner was made to work hard in the closing stages but, in the final furlong, had the edge over the mare and got home by a neck to complete a treble for the winning rider and his trainer-father Aidan, following the earlier maiden successes of Cristoforo Colombo and Offer.

Table Mountain set off at a solid pace and was taken on after a half-mile by the winner. In front at half-way, Fame And Glory edged clear briefly turning for home but, approaching the two furlong pole, was tackled by Unaccompanied and Steps To Freedom.