KINGSTON Lisle-based jockey Chris Catlin recorded his first Classic success with victory on the Mick Channon-trained Royal Power in the German 2,000 Guineas in Cologne, writes Russell Smith.

Catlin hit the front a furlong out on the son of Xaar in the mile contest, before holding the strong-finishing Aspectus by a head, with Lord Of England a length back in third.

It was a well-deserved success for the inmate of Channon's West Ilsley stables after he had finished runner-up in the Italian Guineas last month.

Catlin said: "Royal Power is a very good horse, I thought I had a very good chance.

"I have been to Germany several times before, but I've never won here."

Royal Power's German raid formed part of Channon's assault on big races in four countries across Europe on Sunday.

He was out of luck with Yasoodd and Silver Touch in the Gainsborough Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas) and Gainsborough Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas) respectively at Longchamp.

Youmzain was a creditable third behind Dylan Thomas and Mountain in the Group 2 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown in Ireland.

And Rocamadour finished fourth behind Distant Way in the Group 1 Premio Presidente della Repubblica at Cappennelle in Rome.

It came 24 hours after Hazeymm had run a cracker for Channon by finishing a head runner-up to Linda's Lad in the totesport.com Lingfield Derby Trial at the Surrey track.

Blewbury trainer Gerard Butler has suffered a blow with his globetrotting star Jack Sullivan facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a tendon injury to his near fore leg.

However, the master of Churn Stables reported that the vets were fairly confident that the five-year-old will have recovered in time for next year's Godolphin Mile in Dubai.

Butler said: "It is a blow, but we have to deal with it and do the best for the horse and get him back to where he belongs.

"We need to be patient and hopefully time will cure his problem."

Butler also revealed that his classy filly Tarfah was back in action after having a minor problem with her near fore leg last month.

She is being aimed at the Ridgewood Pearl Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday, May 27 or a valuable mile contest at Ascot on the same day.

Meanwhile, Kingston Lisle trainer David Pinder was among the winners at Kempton when Dexileos landed a seven-furlong banded stakes under Fergus Sweeney.

East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison was on the mark with Supaseus in a mile maiden at Newmarket.

The three-year-old got up in the last stride under Jimmy Fortune to beat Incidentally by a head.