Henry Longfellow makes perfect start at the Curragh

The impeccably-bred Henry Longfellow earned Classic quotes following a striking debut in the Juddmonte Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh.

A son of Dubawi out of seven-time Group One-winning mare Minding, the latter trained like Henry Longfellow by Aidan O’Brien,  he went off the 5-4 favourite in the hands of Ryan Moore and travelled powerfully throughout.

Mythology, a creditable fifth in the Group Two Railway Stakes, did his best to get on terms, but Henry Longfollow was well on top as he passed the post with a length and three-quarters in hand.

Betfair make the winner a 25-1 shot for both the 2000 Guineas and the Derby next season.

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“I’m delighted with him. He’s a Dubawi out of Minding and he looks like a lovely horse,” said O’Brien.

“She handled that ground and he does bend his knee a bit but he quickens. You’d have to be very happy with him.

“Ryan said it was very easy and he said he didn’t touch him with the stick, he was very happy with him.

“He had been working well, he just came on the scene lately. For the last three weeks, week after week he was working well. He’s an exciting type of horse.”

Strike Red wins at the Curragh
Strike Red wins at the Curragh (Niall Carson/PA)

British raider Strike Red (7-1) claimed the lion’s share of €100,000 with victory in the Paddy Power Scurry Handicap.



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Richard Fahey’s charge was half a length too strong for 9-2 favourite for Aussie Girl, after which jockey Billy Garritty said: “He’s been a good horse to me and a good horse to the yard. He keeps picking up these premier handicaps and I’m absolutely delighted.

“I was confident, the guv’nor said ‘you’ve got a good draw so just keep down the stand’s side’.”

When asked how he found riding at the Curragh, he added: “It’s not really (different), you are still racing around a field!

“It’s my first time to Ireland, it’s a good track and they have brilliant facilities.”

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