Beethoven leads O'Brien one-two

Aidan O’Brien’s Beethoven caused an almighty shock in the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

Disregarded by punters as Johnny Murtagh chose stable companion Steinbeck, he was sent off at 33-1 under Ryan Moore.

Murtagh tried to make all but was swamped late as stable companions Beethoven and Fencing Master finished with a flourish.

Clive Cox’s Xtension was also in the mix but finished third behind the Ballydoyle duo as Steinbeck stayed on in fourth.

Murtagh seemed to set a sensible gallop throughout on the highly-regarded Steinbeck but Kevin Manning was keen not to let him get out of his sight on Chabal.

Silver Grecian, who missed the kick, briefly threatened but had to use up too much energy getting on terms and faded.

Dick Turpin looked like he may have a hand in the finish, but failed to get up the hill and it was down to Xtension to prevent a Ballydoyle clean sweep.

For a few strides Adam Kirby must have thought he was going to land the biggest win of his career, but it was Beethoven who had all the answers in a driving finish.