Saturday's Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes (10f) at Sandown delivered another thrilling battle between the old foes Roaring Lion and Saxon Warrior.
In an epic duel in the final 200 metres, Roaring Lion gradually gained a neck advantage under Oisin Murphy and gained some revenge on Saxon Warrior, who had beaten him in both the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy and Group 1 2,000 Guineas.
Last year's Epsom Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher was third. (photo Keeneland)
It was the third win in the race for John Gosden following Nathaniel in 2012 and Golden Horn in 2015 and a first Group 1 for Oisin Murphy who impressed in a short stint in Australia in 2014 as an 18yo apprentice.
"I went out in the race with a very open mind and full of confidence thanks to the owner and the trainer. Thankfully, we delivered," Murphy said.
"My horse has caused very little interference if any and clearly he was the best horse in the race. He's a very talented colt."
Gosden was also quick to praise the rider.
"He rode him beautifully and very coolly. He got too far back, he knew that, and he didn't hurry to get back. It was a very good ride and I'm thrilled," Gosden told ITV Racing.
"I thought Saxon Warrior was magnificent, so all credit to Aidan O'Brien.
"He (Murphy) deserves it. He did very well to stay as cool as he did."
Carrying the colours of Qatar Racing, Roaring Lion advances his record to 5 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds from 9 starts with earnings of £835,081.
Gosden said the Group 1 G1 Juddmonte International] at York on August 22 is likely to be the next race for Roaring Lion.
The grey son of Kitten's Joy was a $160,000 purchase at the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
His Group 1 placed dam Vionnet is a daughter of the former Darley shuttler Street Sense whose brother Camdus (IRE) won the Listed VRC Sprint at Flemington on Saturday.
