Coventry Stakes Result: O'Brien in Command at Ascot

Aidan O'Brien enjoyed a good opening day at Ascot

The Aidan O'Brien-trained War Command produced a stunning success in the Coventry Stakes, propelling himself to the head of next year's 2000 Guineas market...

The Ballydoyle handler was responsible for 5-2 favourite Stubbs, as well as leading contender Sir John Hawkins (6-1), with War Command a relatively-unfancied 20-1 shot after making a winning debut at Leopardstown just 11 days earlier.

Stubbs ranged up on the outside in the hands of the trainer's son Joseph a furlong down, with Sir John Hawkins and Ryan Moore also in there pitching, but neither had any answer to War Command's stunning finishing effort.

The American-bred juvenile passed the post six lengths clear of the eyecatching Parbold, who made good ground in the final furlong having encountered traffic problems. Sir John Hawkins picked up minor money in third, with Stubbs eventually weakening into sixth position.

Heffernan said: "I've probably ridden all of Aidan's Coventry winners at home, but none of them on the track. It's my first ride in the race. It was nice to ride one that has won as easy as that. He relaxed and quickened. He's all right, this one."

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