'He didn't even run until May' - late bloomer Jan Brueghel flourishes under Sean Levey to secure St Leger one-two for Ballydoyle

On a day prime minister Sir Keir Starmer brought his wife and children to the 248th running of the St Leger, an esteemed racing family celebrated more success in the world's oldest Classic when Jan Brueghel maintained his unbeaten record in thrilling fashion.

Coolmore partner Derrick Smith had a glorious vision as he watched on in the autumn sunshine as Jan Brueghel and Illinois, whom he also part-owns, drew clear from two furlongs out to engage in a titanic tussle.

Nothing could split the Aidan O'Brien stablemates in the betting as they went off 11-4 joint-favourites and only a neck separated them at the line, with Jan Brueghel just holding off the constant attention of the runner-up under Sean Levey.

"It's a special race for the Smith family," said the successful part-owner. "I've won it four times in my own colours previously and Kingston Hill won for my son Paul. I love this race and it's a great result for us. It was always going to be nip and tuck and it was a great race."

O’Brien has been the ruling authority in the St Leger in recent years and he registered a fourth success in the last eight years and eighth in total as Jan Brueghel won for the fourth time.

Grosvenor Square, the trainer's third runner in the seven-strong field, did not set as furious a pace as many expected, leaving all of the runners travelling within themselves at the three-furlong pole. 

The complexion of the race soon changed, however, as Jan Brueghel and Illinois took up the running. And although the winner had not previously looked entirely straightforward, he proved well up to the challenge on this occasion. 

"He's unbeaten and didn't even run until May 25, it's incredible," Smith said. "He's very babyish and is going to come on again so it's great. 

"Illinois has lost nothing in defeat and I think if they'd gone a bit quicker maybe he might have won it, but I could see Sean was always going very well. We've got the first and second so we're not complaining.

"It's nice Sean won on him, too, because he started his apprentice career with us, so that was good to see."

Derrick Smith (far left) with his latest St Leger winner Jan BrueghelCredit: John Grossick

With the St Leger clashing with the Irish Champions Festival once more, O'Brien was on the hunt for jockeys for Doncaster and turned to a rider with whom he has a long association.

Levey spent eight years at Ballydoyle and rode for the trainer in the race for the third year in a row. This time it was different as he was on a leading fancy and he made it count.  

After winning his second British Classic six years after Billesdon Brook's 1,000 Guineas success, Levey said: "What a thrill. It's a race I've always wanted to win, although I'll take any Classic. It's another one on my belt. 

"It's an absolute privilege to get the ride from Aidan and the owners. Jan Brueghel looks like a very nice horse who will definitely improve. He gave the impression he could be a Gold Cup horse. 

"He ran in snatches down the back, but when I needed him and drew upsides he knew what was wanted of him. 

"I delayed my challenge a little bit as I thought he might stop if I challenged too early. I always knew he'd head the other horse when I needed him."

Levey was born in Swaziland but spent the majority of his childhood in Ireland and has strong family ties to the winning team.

Sean Levey poses with the St Leger cap after landing the Doncaster Classic with Jan BrueghelCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's a nice feeling to reward people who have been so good to me," he said. "My brother works for Coolmore and my mother still works for Aidan and they've always had nothing but great things to say about the family. I'm sure they're very proud to see me ride a winner for them."

The least surprising result in the race was third-past-the-post Deira Mile being demoted a place after giving fourth home Sunway a bump late on.

"It didn't cost him the win but it cost him third place," said Sunway's trainer David Menuisier, who was beaten just a nose out of the first three. 

"It would only be fair to get third in the stewards' room. He ran an absolute stormer and just found a couple of better ones today."

Owen Burrows had been resigned to losing third with Deira Mile, but said: "He's run a good race and he probably could have done with a stronger gallop. I was quite conscious I didn't want him seeing loads of daylight first time with blinkers on over this trip.

"The owner is quite keen to have a look at the Arc if it came up really soft. He seems to be improving with his racing."

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