• Ebor Festival, Day One

Rip denies Twice Over in International

Johnny Murtagh was thrilled with the display of Rip Van Winkle © Getty Images

Enlarge

Rip Van Winkle came with a storming late run to snatch the Juddmonte International from Twice Over.

The 7/4 favourite looked booked for third as he trailed Twice Over and Byword by two lengths at the furlong marker, but the four-year-old's stamina kicked in and a late thrust enabled the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt to grab the prize.

The pace set by Stimulation was only a modest one and it did not appear to suit Rip Van Winkle who found himself tapped for speed as the race developed in the straight.

The Khalid Abdullah-owned pair of Twice Over and Byword, second and first respectively at Royal Ascot, surged clear and looked to have the race between them. But Rip Van Winkle emerged on the scene late on and answered Johnny Murtagh's every call to take the race.

"I love this horse," Murtagh told Channel 4. "I rode him in the Derby and the Guineas and he did not show how good he is last year.

"Aidan had a plan to be a bit slower with him this year, there are some big races coming up. He will improve for this, as he was still a bit rusty. I am delighted he has done it."

Cavalryman stayed on well to claim fourth, but the gamble to supplement Dick Turpin did not pay off as Richard Hannon's charge was beaten well before stamina became an use and could plug on only at the one pace for fifth.

Godolphin's purple patch continued as Rewilding justified favouritism in stunning fashion in the Great Voltigeur.

Rewilding was hugely impressive in winning the Great Voltigeur © Getty Images

Enlarge

The Derby third was making his comeback after a mid-season break and showed no signs of ring-rust as the colt sprinted clear to put himself firmly in the St Leger picture.

Frankie Dettori held Rewilding up off what was a fierce gallop set by Harris Tweed, before making steady progress turning for home. As Harris Tweed faded, Midas Touch set sail for home but Dettori was full of confidence aboard Rewilding.

The Italian asked his mount to quicken two furlongs from home and Rewilding responded superbly and put a seal on the Group Two prize in a matter of strides.

The final Classic of the season is up next and Dettori feels he has a live chance of success.

"It was a tremendous race," Dettori said. "We went a very strong gallop and the time was good. It takes him a bit of time to warm up, but four furlongs out there was only one winner. I was very pleased with him.

"We've said all along he's a perfect Leger horse. This is the best trial and we can go there with plenty of confidence. He's calm and the trip is no problem."

Waiter's Dream produced a polished display to land the Acomb Stakes in the hands of Kieren Fallon. Brian Meehan holds the colt in high regard and his faith was fully vindicated as the 5/2 shot charged clear to win by four and a half lengths from Silvertrees and Lake Ontario.

"He gave me a proper feel when he won at Newbury last time and he has worked well since - he gives you the feel of a proper horse," Fallon said. "I think he's quite smart. He's still a big baby, he's still learning and I think he's going to go places."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.