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James’s Delight ensured British runners would land a fourth successive Group 2 Greenland Stakes when striking under Oisin Murphy at the Curragh.

Trained by Clive Cox, James's Delight was sent off a relatively unfancied 22/1 chance, with all eyes on the 6/4 market leader Storm Boy, who was making his first start for Aidan O'Brien after showing some top-class form in Australia.

However, Storm Boy dropped away tamely under Ryan Moore, and it quickly became apparent that the prize would be heading back to Britain once more as James's Delight loomed up to challenge fellow British contender Lethal Levi in the closing stages.

Despite being hard at work a long way from home, Murphy's mount continued to find for pressure in the final 50 yards, battling on bravely to deny Karl Burke's mount by a short-head crossing the line, with Big Gossey a further neck back in third.

Storm Bay eventually finished last of nine.

Murphy told RTE: "Clive was very happy with him. The plan was actually to get a bit of cover, but the speed wasn't very fast, and he broke well. He is a tough, game horse for very good owners, the Rooneys.

"Jason Maguire (the owners' racing manager) does a top job and it's fantastic they have

Asked why British runners have been so successful in the contest over recent years, Murphy added: "We generally have quite a lot of them, and the handicap system is quite tough on them.

"They really have to perform in those big Saturday class two races. This guy came through that system and the guys have done a great job bringing him over here and preparing him for such a big day."