The well-travelled four-year-old colt Washington DC, a son of former shuttler Zoffany (IRE), earned a fifth stakes win and a first at Group level, when downing his Fastnet Rock stablemate Cougar Mountain in Sunday's Group III Phoenix Sprint (6f) at The Curragh.

The veteran Gordon Lord Byron, a great favourite in Australia, was another half-length back in third.

It was a long time coming for the Aidan O'Brien trainee who was second on this day two years ago in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes won by Coolmore newcomer Air Force Blue (USA)

Last year he was third at the highest level in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Ascot won by Quiet Reflection, then was beaten into second by Marsha (IRE) in the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp.

He closed out the season in the Group I Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita where he finished midfield behind the Choisir gelding Obviously.

The son of Zoffany (IRE)  made his 4yo bow in Meydan before heading back to Europe where he kick-started his season with a win in the  Listed Woodlands Stakes at Navan.

"He has a load of ability. He has loads of speed for five but it's just a little bit hard to produce him over five," O'Brien told Irish Racing.

"Over six he has a little bit more time to produce him and wangle him through. He just doesn't want to be in front very long.

"He's the type of horse we'll have to turn up (everywhere) as he can be unlucky in a race. He loves coming through horses. I wouldn't be ruling York (Group I Nunthorpe Stakes) out or Haydock after that."

A €340,000 Goffs Orby Yearling, Washington DC is out of the stakes-placed How's She Cuttin' a 7-time winner by Shinko Forest (IRE).

It is the family of the Group I Canterbury Guineas winner Fine Society (Marscay) and the successful Woodlands Stud shuttler Grand Lodge (Chief's Crown). 

(Zoffany by Dansili)