THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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SANDOWN, England - Sea The Stars became the first horse in 20 years to add the Eclipse Stakes title to wins in the English Derby and the 2000 Guineas.

Sea The Stars is only the fifth horse since 1900 to complete the Group One hat trick, after beating Rip Van Winkle by a length at Sandown on Saturday. The last horse to accomplish the feat was Nashwan in 1989.

"I did like the way he stretched away when he was tackled," trainer John Oxx said. "He can go any distance and tanks along early on. Any speed he could follow, and I don't think he has a best distance. He can do them all."

The 4-7 favourite's Hong Kong-based owner Christopher Tsui fainted shortly after the colt won, but he recovered in time to collect the winning trophy and celebrate with jockey Mick Kinane.

"There will be more to come as he will get better as he matures," Kinane said. "He is so quick out of the stalls with his pace, and it was almost as if I hit the front too soon, but it was hard for me to stop him."

Sea The Stars won the Derby on June 6 with a 1 3/4-length victory over Fame And Glory, after taking the 2000 Guineas on May 2 ahead of Delegator. No horse since Nashwan had even completed that double.