A field of 14 older horses contested the grueling 2 1/2 mile trip around the Heath for a purse of £225,000 (about $448,000 US). 8-13 favorite and defending champion Yeats did not disappoint, settling in midpack most of the way around, then picking up the pace with 5f remaining. He passed pacesetter and 25-1 outsider Lord Du Sud at the 1/4 pole and drew off to win by 1 1/2 lengths over late-running 12-1 Geordieland in a time of 4:20.78 over the good-to-firm turf course. It was a long 3 1/2 lengths back to 50-1 Le Miracle in third.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said, "We are absolutely delighted. He was a lot heavier today than he has ever been, but he has been much pacier in his work and in his races than he has ever been. Mick did the right thing on him and rode him with a lot of confidence. We would love to come back and win it for a third time."
Winning jockey Mick Kinane added, "He settled beautifully and I decided to make my move as none of the French horses were going as well as me. I went outside to take up a nice prominent position and I knew my fellow would take 3 or 4 lengths out of anything behind me. He's developing into a nice individual, he's matured, he's far better now. I think he can come back and win again, he enjoys his racing and is sound so why not?"
Jamie Spencer aboard runner-up Geordieland said, "My fellow has run a fabulous race. He's got a massive turn of foot for a stayer and if we can dodge Yeats he can pick up a big one later in the year."
