SOVEREIGN caused a huge upset when giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a 13th success in the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh.

The stands almost fell silent as the 33/1 shot crossed the line six lengths ahead of stable companion Anthony Van Dyck, the Investec Derby hero, to give jockey Padraig Beggy a second classic success after his Epsom win on 40/1 chance Wings Of Eagles in 2017.

Sovereign was expected to be one of the lesser lights of O’Brien’s five runners and made the running with stablemate Norway.

Broome, one of O’Brien’s better-fancied contenders, was slowly away and the two pace-setters soon built up a big lead.

The pair were eight lengths clear with four furlongs to go and did not come back to the field as might have been expected, with Sovereign, who was only 10th at Epsom, keeping up the gallop and never looking like being caught.

Anthony Van Dyck (5/4 favourite) was two and a half lengths ahead of third-placed Norway (16/1), with Madhmoon a short-head behind in fourth.