The Mark Wallace-trained Benbaun (Stravinsky - Escape To Victory, by Salse) made it four wins from five starts this season, and won his first Group One in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp over five furlongs.

Desert Lord and Moss Vale led at a blistering pace, with Benbaun and the hot favourite Kingsgate Native both racing prominently. Pat Smullen produced Benbaun with a strong run that saw him take the lead in the final furlong. Kingsgate Native tracked him through on ground that was on the soft side for him, and ran well for second without ever getting on terms with the winner. Last year's winner Desert Lord and Moss Vale filled the minor places, and Patavellian came with a fast run from well back to finish a close fifth.

Six-year-old Benbaun has only been beaten once this season, when below par in the King's Stand, but has won three Group Threes at the Curragh.

Trainer Mark Wallace said: "Apparently the only place he could win was the Curragh but it just so happens the races are right for him there.

"He's improving all the time and I'd no worries about coming here because on his day he could beat all these. It was a brilliant run from the two-year-old (Kingsgate Native) but our fellow was in great form.

"We were very concerned about the ground, but Pat walked the course and said it was not that soft. He's going to Hong Kong, and we might go to Australia."