Mastercraftsman hangs on

Mastercraftsman justified his status as odds-on favourite by edging out Delegator to win the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Irish 2000 Guineas winner looked in danger of being overhauled just before the line but dug deep to claim victory by a neck.

Lord Shanakill, an outsider at 20-1, came home in third, finishing one-and-a-half lengths behind the leading pair.

Fellow Aiden O'Brien charge Set Sail rocketed out of the stalls to a large early lead but Mastercraftsman tucked in behind and then charged to the front when the pace-setter faded.

Johnny Murtagh worked hard to hold off the challenge of Brian Meehan's horse, even falling behind at one point, but the strength of the favourite eventually prevailed to give O'Brien his sixth win in the race.

Despite the finish being a little too close for comfort, O'Brien was delighted with the display from both horse and jockey.

Amazing

"It was unbelievable, a great performance. He's an amazing horse with speed, stamina, and all ground comes alike to him," he said.

"It was a great performance from the horse and a marvellous performance from Johnny. If he steps up to a mile and a quarter I don't think he'll have a problem with that."

Winning jockey Murtagh paid tribute to his horse after the race, saying a brave last-ditch effort was responsible for the victory.

He said: "I committed him early enough, he's a bit lazy when he hits the front. When Delegator came to him you could see my horse had his head was down and he was really trying.

"He gave 110 percent, he's brave, courageous, he's like all the great horses I ride for Ballydoyle - they never know when they're beaten.

"He's won a Guineas and a St James's Palace over a mile, he's not short of speed. I think he's a true champion and he deserves a lot of credit."