Kyprios victorious in Vintage Crop reappearance

Kyprios returned to action with a workmanlike win in the Bar One Racing Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan.

The star stayer has begun his campaign with victory in the Listed contest twice before, taking the race in 2022 and 2024 before unbeaten runs through the following seasons.

Last season his winning streak extended to seven triumphs, including four Group Ones, so it was no surprise that he was the 1-7 favourite for Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien.

In a field of six he was never hurried and did only what was required of him to secure a two-length success over Enfranchise.

“He just does what he has to do. Ryan was very happy with him, so delighted,” said O’Brien.

“The plan will be to go back to Leopardstown (for the Saval Beg Stakes in May) and then the Gold Cup.

“That’s him, just totally relaxed all the time. He’s very classy, well he’s in second gear all the time probably.

“He’s a remarkable horse, it is incredible that he is here and what he is doing. He’s as enthusiastic as he ever was, he was like that as a two-year-old as well.

“His demeanour hasn’t changed. It is pure, raw ability.”

The seven-year-old is an unchanged 11-8 favourite with Betfair for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.