Canford Cliffs added to his Group One tally when reeling in Rip Van Winkle in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Last year's winner Rip Van Winkle tracked his pacemaker Encompassing into the straight, and appeared to get first run on the 4-6 favourite.

However, once Richard Hughes pressed the button Canford Cliffs quickened up in scintillating style to win going away by a neck.

Hannon said: "He's the best horse I've ever trained. I don't think the track suited him. If he comes home right I'd be very happy. He's got a turn of foot, this horse, and you need to switch him off.

"He was a bit too free early in the season but he's doing everything right now."

Hughes added: "He's a superstar. He's improved by 10lb and he actually ran a bit rusty there, he never got into full flight. We weren't going that fast - the pacemaker was, we weren't. Rip Van Winkle nicked a length out of me, but I know how good he is."

O'Brien said of the runner-up: "He was a bit further back than we wanted him to be for Ascot and obviously we hoped that he would progress for it, and there was lovely progression there.

"This year we decided to go steady early and progress as the year went on as last year his form tailed off a little as he had a tough early part of the season so we've decided to go gently.

"He could run over a mile, 10 furlongs or even 12 - all those race are open to him as he's very versatile. He travels very well and quickens very well but he just got a little bit tired in the last half furlong.

"York (Juddmonte International) is a possibility. Usually after these races we sit down and if the horse is OK we make a plan and hopefully pick the right target."