Cape Blanco takes Champion Stakes
Cape Blanco made all the running to give Aidan O’Brien a sixth success in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
Seamie Heffernan simply ran his rivals into the ground over the mile and a quarter to easily beat his stablemate Rip Van Winkle.
Stamina was not an issue for the Irish Derby winner who set a scorching pace. He was soon several lengths clear of Sea Lord with Beethoven third and the opposition never really got a look in.
Heffernan kicked on again as they turned into the straight and it was clear the 6-1 shot was not for stopping.
He won by an impressive five and a half lengths from Rip Van Winkle, who got up in the shadow of the post to grab second place from Twice Over in a bunch finish for the minor honours.
