RYAN Moore moved a step closer to completing a full set of English Classic wins after securing his first Qipco 2000 Guineas with a commanding victory aboard Gleneagles at Newmarket.

Widely seen as perhaps the best rider in the world at the moment, Moore is now just missing a St Leger success from his glittering CV after triumphing in the mile showpiece.

While the win was a milestone for the always-understated Moore, it was also an occasion to savour for Aidan O'Brien as he claimed a record-breaking seventh Guineas - one which perfectly cemented the increased trainer-jockey partnership this season.

Although stripped of his victory in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on his final start as a two-year-old, the son of Galileo had long been the first choice in the race for the all-conquering Ballydoyle team and it was easy to see why he was held in such high regard.

Despite changes to the stalls and rails this year, the field still split into two with Kool Kompany leading down the centre of the track and Home Of The Brave heading the charge up the near side, where Moore elected to settle in behind, tracking the fancied Intilaaq.

The three-times champion jockey made his move just outside the final furlong, pushing Gleneagles into a lead he was not to surrender.

Although French raider Territories tried to come with a late thrust, Gleneagles had far too much in reserve, with Moore punching his mount all the way to the line to score by two-and-a- quarter lengths. Ivawood was a further three-quarters of a length back in third.

O'Brien, whose other runner Ol' Man River never looked comfortable and finished last of the 18 runners, said: "He was always a very strong traveller, when he gets there he doesn't do much. His form was top class and he only does what he has to do when he gets there.

"I didn't think it mattered when they split, as Ryan was in a good position.

"It might not have suited some of the other horses, but we were delighted.

"We always thought he'd be a a miler, as he has a lot of speed. He has had a lot of pace since the word go. He is an exceptional horse and it will be hard to see a horse having a better pedigree than him.

"Joseph [O'Brien] rides him every morning and he said to Ryan that he won't do a lot in front as he is very idle but he is an unbelieveable traveller. He has all the traits that Giant's Causeway had.

"We will think about the Irish Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes route with him.

"I am delighted to have won a seventh Guineas, but I am only a small part of a big team.

"A lot of people put a lot of hard work and effort into it. I feel privileged to be in this position and it gives me a great sense of satis- faction."

Moore said: "He felt great and he travelled very comfortably throughout. They were not actually fast enough to lead him for long enough. He is just a horse with a lot of talent and there is plenty to come.

"He never felt at any stage that he was going to be in any difficulty. When it opened up the race was falling apart in front of me and there was nothing there to lead me, but he is all class and he proved it."

Andre Fabre, trainer of runner-up Territories, was quick to admit his charge was beaten by a better horse on the day but was keen for the Godolphin-owned colt to have a rematch.

Fabre said: "He was not unlucky - he had a fair race. He has to come from off the pace, but the winner had some distance between us and we could not get that back.

"We were beaten by a better horse. It is the hardest thing to admit that you are beaten by a better horse, but today we do admit it.

"One of his targets is the St James's Palace Stakes. We will think about it. He will probably be better in a smaller field and going round a bend. Coming from behind off a bend will be easier for him. I expect we will meet again."

Richard Hannon was delighted with the performance of third-placed Ivawood, saying: "He ran a super race and he got a mile, so it is conversation over with as far as that is concerned. He w