HORSE RACING:A BRITISH royal winner of the Listed Vincent O'Brien Ruby Stakes at Killarney yesterday was thwarted, somewhat ironically, by Vincent O'Brien's successor at Ballydoyle, Aidan O'Brien, with Poet.

Queen Elizabeth was represented by the 7 to 4 favourite Four Winds, but the gelded son of Red Ransom never looked like pegging back Poet, once jockey Sean Levey sent Poet to the front early in the straight, eventually staying on for a length and three parts win.

O’Brien, who was completing a double on the day, was represented by his wife Annemarie O’Brien who briefly mentioned: “Poet is a fine, big, good looking horse who has improved with time. Seán (Levey) gave him a great ride.”

Four Winds’ trainer Michael Bell, who made the trip from England for the race, was pleased with his gelding’s showing.

“Four Winds ran a very satisfactory race and we’ve no excuses – the winner looks a good horse,” said Bell.

Regarding reasons for Four Winds’ participation in the race, Bell added: “I looked at the fixture list and mentioned the race, which honours the great Vincent O’Brien, to the queen and she said to ‘go for it’. It was kept all very low key, but it was a shame we didn’t get the win!”