Grandera clips Wing in Champion show

Godolphin's Grandera won a thrilling renewal of the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Sholokov set a furious pace in the 10-furlong Group One contest and with half a mile to go was 12 lengths clear of Best Of The Bests and his stable companion Hawk Wing, the 8-11 favourite.

Best Of The Bests took over a furlong out but was immediately pressed by Hawk Wing and Aidan O'Brien's star looked set for victory.

But Frankie Dettori had other ideas as he unleashed 5-2 shot Grandera with a powerful late thrust which proved good enough as he landed the 625,200 euro first prize by a short head.

It was a repeat of last year's race when Godolphin's Fantastic Light just got the better of O'Brien's Galileo in a close finish.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: "It was very nerve-wracking and very tense, but what a brilliant performance and all credit to Jamie (Spencer) on Best Of The Bests for not getting sucked into following Sholokhov. He was going a little bit too quick for us and Best Of The Bests has run really well too.

"Grandera on his day is a really great horse. The races he has won this year - Singapore, Royal Ascot here - are top notch races.

"And he's not finished with yet. Maybe the Cox Plate in Australia."