Sea The Stars became the first Derby winner since Nashwan 20 years ago to beat his elders in the Eclipse Stakes, run at Sandown on Saturday.

Sea The Stars became the first Derby winner since Nashwan 20 years ago to beat his elders in the Eclipse Stakes, run at Sandown on Saturday. Mick Kinane, seen here in 2003, had the colt owned by Hong Kong night club owner Christopher Tsui perfectly positioned well behind trail blazers Lang Shining and Set Sail.

Like Nashwan John Oxx's champion started off his three-year-old campaign with victory in the English 2,000 Guineas and he comfortably justified his 4-7 starting price in the Eclipse with another stunning performance.

Mick Kinane had the colt owned by Hong Kong night club owner Christopher Tsui perfectly positioned well behind trail blazers Lang Shining and Set Sail.

In the straight as the older brigade headed by last year's St Leger winner Conduit faded Sea The Stars and his contemporary Rip Van Winkle had the race between them.

But as on the previous two occasions he has come up against the Aidan O'Brien-trained Rip Van Winkle Sea The Stars' extra class proved the deciding factor as he strode home the one length winner.

There was drama in the winner's enclosure when Tsui fainted.

After he regained consciousness the owner said: "I think it was a bit too much excitement and it's a bit too warm today, but I'm fine now.

"I was waiting for the horse to come back and it was maybe a bit too warm and I passed out.

"I have been reading about people doubting Sea The Stars, but now we can all see he's a great horse."

Oxx said it was day's like this that kept him going.

"For 19 days out of 20, when you say what are you wasting your time for training racehorses when you can do something easier, these are the moments that keep you going."

He identified the Irish Champion Stakes as a likely autumn objective, but the King George over a mile and a half at Ascot in three weeks time or the International Stakes at York in August are possibilities too.

"He comes through his races well and the horse will have a big say where he goes as we'll see how he comes out of this.

"I can't see him running in two races before the Irish Champion Stakes, I think we'll have to miss one."

Kinane marvelled at how fast Sea The Stars had shot out of the blocks.

"He is is so quick out of the stalls with his pace and it was almost as if I hit the front too soon today, but it was hard for me to stop him.

"When the second horse came at me, he just picked up. You are never going to win by more than two lengths on him, he just does enough.

"I was hoping to be in front at the furlong marker because I know he quickens really well and he dosses when he gets there.

"You don't get many like him, he has so much early pace it is unbelievable."

Sea The Stars is a 7-2 chance for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October and 4-7 'with a run' for the King George.