THE transformation of the racehorse Santiago from relative zero to classic hero has been as a sudden as it has been complete.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt reappeared only a few weeks ago, at Royal Ascot, with just a Listowel win to his name from three runs in maidens, promptly won the Group 2 Queen’s Vase and just eight days later added Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh. That is quite a journey, as they say.