Order Of St George battles to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

Aidan O'Brien never gave up hope, and nor did Ryan Moore. Most importantly, nor did Order Of St George, who snatched victory from the jaws of near certain defeat by surging to the front 75 yards from home after Torcedor had looked home and dry.

The 2016 Gold Cup winner, only fourth at odds-on behind Sheikhzayedroad in last year's Long Distance Cup, was close enough in fourth straightening for home but almost immediately found himself outpaced by both Torcedor and Mount Moriah.

Wandering under pressure, he gave Duretto a nudge and was still only fourth entering the final furlong, but with Torcedor having been in front long enough after getting the better of the battle for the lead the picture changed dramatically.

"He's unbelievably tough and hardy, and Ryan gave him a brilliant ride," said O'Brien. "He never stops. In every race he's ever run in he's always finishing. Ryan said to me going out that he's never ever stopping.

"We saw the same thing in the Gold Cup and I never thought he was beaten. Sometimes the line comes too quick, but he doesn't stop. He's finished for the year now, but I'm hoping he stays in training. Nobody's told me that he doesn't."

Moore admitted he was "a bit surprised" to see Torcedor two lengths in front going into the final furlong, although conceded "he's a very good horse".

He added: "I was hoping I would get to him, but only hoping."

Order Of St George is already favourite for next year's Gold Cup, but he has been in the frame in the last two Prix De L'Arc De Triomphes and O'Brien is not ruling out another crack at a top level race over that sort of distance, reasoning that "he's very comfortable at a mile and a half."

Jessica Harrington and Colm O'Donoghue could be forgiven if they had been gutted at seeing such a big prize snatched from their grasp, but not a bit of it.

Harrington said: "I only inherited him last autumn from David Wachman and he's never stopped improving. He'll have a break now and then come back for the Vintage Crop and the Gold Cup. He may end up in the Melbourne Cup, although I'm not sure he has enough tactical speed for that."

O'Donoghue, who picked up a seven-day whip ban which begins on the Saturday of the Breeders' Cup, said: "That was the best I've ridden him. Mrs Harrington had him in amazing form and he moved great and travelled great.

"It was an amazing effort in defeat and possibly ten pounds above his previous best. He's improved from the St Leger, and I knew he was going to put it up to the favourite."

James Doyle picked up a similar ban to O'Donoghue on his Gold Cup hero Big Orange, who struggled on the ground and was beaten with six furlongs to go, but in his case it was for manoeuvring towards the rail.

It will rule him out not only from the Saturday of the Breeders' Cup, but also from key events in Australia, including the Melbourne Cup.

Moore was given a two-day whip ban which is also set to begin on November 4, but his can be deferred.

No hoper Cap'N, making his debut, was to all intents pulled up five out, although the judge still placed him - in a tailed-off last.

If you were interested in this, you might like . . .

Order Of St George completes hat-trick of St Leger Trial wins

Awesome St George enters Arc picture

An outstanding year for the master of Ballydoyle