The Stan James 2000 Guineas winner bounced back to his imperious best after two defeats to take the mile championship in tremendous style.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, the 13-8 favourite, ran out a clear winner by a length and a quarter in the hands of Mick Kinane from Araafa (7-1). Court Masterpiece (13-2) was a further two lengths away in third.

River Tiber, one of three runners from the O'Brien stable, tried to set the pace but he did not have things his own way. The long shot was hassled first by Killybegs and then by Frankie Dettori's mount Librettist, with O'Brien's other representative Ivan Denisovich also battling for the lead in the first half of the race.

Killybegs led from Librettist as the eight-strong field turned for home but a furlong and a half out it was Araafa, who had beaten George Washington to win the Irish 2000 Guineas, who made his bid for glory.

However, he was not in front for long as he was stalked by George Washington, who was travelling supremely well and stormed into the lead about half a furlong out as he quickly showed his superiority.

O'Brien said: "What can you say? Mick said he was just half-speeding. He grew up great after Goodwood and Mick learned a lot about him that day. Everyone sees those little traits that he has but he has grown into a man. It's the class he has throughout the race that makes him different.

"Mick said he was always going to take his time on him.

He was in no panic and he just followed them through . . .

he rode him like it was a nice bit of work. He's very good, he always was. Everyone saw what he did as a two-year-old . . . it's still there and more.

"If he's well tomorrow and the coming days we'd love to go to the Breeders' Cup, " the Ballydoyle maestro said.