Rip roaring run thrills O'Brien

Aidan O'Brien was delighted with Rip Van Winkle's performance in finishing a length second to Sea The Stars in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.The Ballydoyle star, who stepped up on his fourth-placed runs behind the same horse in the 2000 Guineas and Derby, suffered a late injury scare on Thursday.The trainer said: "Jimmy (Fortune) said when he came to challenge he was still very green and a bit babyish, as he's only really had a couple of serious races."He added: "He's had lots of problems and he had a hock the other day, which meant we were not sure he would even get here, so we are really happy with his performance."Third-placed Conduit is owned by the Ballymacoll Stud and their racing manager, Peter Reynolds, said: "It was a very good run, although he didn't quite get the run of the race."He was beaten by a very good horse and our fellow is just getting started this season."Jockey Ryan Moore, who was last for much of the way, added: "He ran a good race, but we were just taken back a bit further than I would have liked."Two out I thought he was coming to run them down, but the winner wasn't doing a lot and he kept going. I was happy and there'll be a bit more to come from him."