Career highlights: three of the best performances from Rip Van Winkle

Former Aidan O'Brien star Rip Van Winkle has died at the age of 14. We take a look back at his three Group 1 wins

Sussex Stakes
Goodwood, July 2009

Butting heads - unsuccessfully - with the mighty Sea The Stars may leave a mark on a horse, but not in the case of Rip Van Winkle, who filled fourth in the 2,000 Guineas and Derby before coming to second to the Tsui family's superstar in the Eclipse.

He then rolled on to Goodwood's best race and proved his constitution once again, overcoming a last-minute scare with a hoof problem to repel high-class miler Paco Boy and 1,000 Guineas heroine Ghanaati.

It was an impressive first top-flight victory for the colt and more was to come.

Rip Van Winkle forges on from Zacinto (pink cap)Credit: Edward Whitaker

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
Ascot, September 2009

Ascot's mile showpiece is an obvious next target for Sussex Stakes winners and Rip Van Winkle headed there the hot 8-13 favourite against just three rivals.

They included Delegator, second in the 2,000 Guineas that year, the smart Aqlaam and the emerging Sir Michael Stoute runner Zacinto.

Despite being the race's 18-1 outsider, Zacinto, partnered by Ryan Moore, gave Rip Van Winkle the most to think about when giving chase in the final furlong, but the Coolmore ace was a strong stayer at a mile and powered on, finishing strongly under regular rider Johnny Murtagh.

On the nod: Rip Van Winkle just gets up to beat Twice OverCredit: Mark Cranham

International Stakes
York, August 2010

Juddmonte's backing of York's most important event means leading owner-breeder Khalid Abdullah likes to support (and win) the Group 1.

In Twice Over, a firm favourite of Sir Henry Cecil, and top French raider Byword, who had won that summer's Prince of Wales's Stakes, Abdullah had strong claims and looked to have things sewn up when the latter quickened to lead two out.

Byword was soon joined by Twice Over who seemed in charge in the final furlong, but Murtagh was conjuring a magnificent effort on the four-year-old Rip Van Winkle, who responded with everything to win on the line by half a length.

More to read:

Former Aidan O'Brien star Rip Van Winkle dies in New Zealand

How Aidan O'Brien has faced up to Sea The Stars, Frankel and Stradivarius

How Galileo's record-breaking 85th top-level winner Peaceful was bred

Galileo matches Danehill's all-time record of 84 Group-Grade 1 winners

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