ULYSSES HITS A SIX FOR STOUTE

EXPERIENCE triumphed over youth as Ulysses edged out Barney Roy by a nose to give Sir Michael Stoute a record-equalling sixth Coral-eclipse at Sandown Park.

Three-year-olds Cliffs Of Moher, Barney Roy and Eminent led the betting for the 10-furlong Group 1 – the traditional clash of the generations.

But it was four-year-old Ulysses and champion jockey Jim Crowley who struck a blow for the older brigade as he got the better of a dramatic photo-finish with Royal Ascot hero Barney Roy.

The racecourse judge took two minutes to announce the verdict, and Stoute (above) revealed: “I just felt he was holding on, holding on, but I was watching from a poor angle and I just didn’t know.

“A lot of people congratulated me, but I said, ‘Let’s just hold on’.

“He’s very consistent and very game – and they’ve come a long way clear.”

Crowley partnered Ulysses only after being jocked off Derby fourth Eminent, who returned in fifth at the end of a rough race. The 7-4 favourite Cliffs Of Moher finished fourth after being hampered before the halfway stage.

“It was a real plus riding him here and this was a fantastic performance,” said a delighted Crowley.

Barney Roy’s proud trainer Richard Hannon Jnr admitted: “He was just a shade unlucky but he is a good horse, and he’s getting better.

“It was just bad luck. I don’t normally believe in luck, but I do now!”