Whittington continues O’Brien’s Phoenix domination

Aidan O’Brien’s domination of the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes continued as Dick Whittington caused a minor upset in the Curragh feature.

The Group One contest has been won by some of Ballydoyle’s leading juveniles over the years, with likes of Johannesburg (2001), George Washington (2005), Holy Roman Emperor (2006) and Mastercraftsman (2008) among a dozen O’Brien winners.

It is perhaps optimistic to suggest Dick Whittington can scale similar heights to that bunch following his victory in a race severely depleted by the defections of stable companions The Great War and War Envoy, not to mention Eddie Lynam’s Royal Ascot heroine Anthem Alexander, but it was a likeable display nonetheless.