Tag Archive for: Curragh

Gstaad going up in distance in bid to be National hero

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Gstaad is expected to thrive over seven furlongs when he tries the trip for the first time in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh next weekend.

A hugely impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, he met with defeat on his next start in what looked a red-hot Prix Morny at Deauville.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien was encouraged by the way he finished that race off though, and expects him to improve for the step up in trip.

Gstaad was a brilliant winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot
Gstaad was a brilliant winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“Gstaad will love seven furlongs,” said O’Brien. “He went to France but it was a little bit early, he came back heavier than he went so he’s going to be very comfortable at seven, he always was.

“The original plan was that he was going to go to the Curragh for a stiff six (Phoenix Stakes) but we didn’t get to go obviously. The filly (True Love) was to go to Deauville but they had to swap around.

“That was the way it worked but it didn’t suit either, the filly would probably be better over a quick six and he would have been better over a stiff six but that’s the way it was.

“He’s a fair horse, he stays, he’s quick, he’s a big hardy horse and you could see him going through the line at Deauville.”

He may be joined in the National Stakes at the Irish Champions Festival by Italy, second to Gewan in the Acomb Stakes at York.

“It’s possible Italy could join him, he ran well at York. He got back a little bit, he’s still a little immature mentally but we’re happy with him since so it’s a strong possibility he will,” said O’Brien.

Another potentially smart juvenile from the yard is Montreal, who is heading towards the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown a day earlier.

The son of Sea The Stars could be joined by a plethora of stablemates.

“Montreal was very impressive at Leopardstown when he won the last day,” added O’Brien.

“The Frankel horse who won in Killarney is a possible (Benvenuto Cellini) and the Frankel horse that won at the Curragh is a possible (New Zealand), as is the Frankel that won at Galway, Action. We’ve the horse that won at Goodwood by Camelot, Isaac Newton, he’s possible. They’re all possibles.”

Composing is building a fine reputation
Composing is building a fine reputation (Damien Eagers/PA)

Composing looks a very nice type among the fillies and is set to head the Moyglare Stud Stakes team.

He said: “Composing won very well the last day. She’s a very straightforward, honest to God filly.

“She doesn’t mind making the running and you have to follow her because she stays. She’s a good filly so that will be the plan with her.

“Beautify could run, she won a Group Two at the Curragh a while ago but she couldn’t run any more because she had penalties wherever she went. She’d be very happy going up to seven.

“There’s the filly who won at Goodwood as well (Precise) she might go or she might wait.”

Queen Of Hawaii gets Classic quotes after Curragh performance

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Joseph O’Brien has some lofty targets in mind for Queen Of Hawaii having watched her impress in the Newtownanner Stud Irish EBF Stakes at the Curragh.

Beaten on her debut, she looked good when winning her maiden at Leopardstown last month and was sent off at 100-30 against the favourite Sugar Island, from his father Aidan’s Ballydoyle stable.

The way the Kingman filly swept by Moments Of Joy, the Ballydoyle second string, suggests she is worthy of bigger targets.

Coral were impressed enough to give her a 25-1 quote for the 1000 Guineas and go 20-1 for the Oaks.

“She won her maiden well. She was very well bought by Philip Antonacci at Goffs,” said O’Brien.

“We thought she was a smart filly and you kind of come here to find out. She looks very smart and you’d have to be excited about her.

“She went through the line strong and Dylan (Browne McMonagle) said that she always feels like there is more in the locker.

“I’d imagine that she’ll either go for the Goffs Million or Fillies’ Mile in Newmarket. We could also look at the Moyglare.

“When she won her maiden at a mile we were looking at coming back to seven and having a look at the Goffs Million.

“We’ll see how she pulls up and discuss it with Philip and see. She’ll be heading for a Group One if it’s not the Million.”

Dermot Weld proved he is still a force to be reckoned with in major handicaps by producing Jagged Edge (22-1) to win the Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Ireland Irish Cambridgeshire.

Having just the fourth run in his life and racing from 2lb out of the handicap, Weld employed apprentice Wayne Hassett to take a valuable 3lb off his back.

Handy throughout, Hassett managed to get his mount up right on the line to deny Genuine Article, who had also been up there all the way for Seamie Heffernan.

Weld said: “I’m delighted with this horse. He’s a big horse and he loves to be fresh. He won for us in Cork and looked like he was going to go on and he just lost his way a little bit. We left him alone and he’s come back nicely.”

There were several fundraising activities during the day in aid of cancer trials, the disease which took Weld’s former stable jockey Pat Smullen so cruelly.

He went on to say: “It’s great to see over a million being raised for pancreatic cancer. It’s such a wonderful achievement and I want to praise Frances Crowley (Smullen’s widow) for everything that she does, the whole team and everyone that contributes.

“It’s such an amazing achievement to be able to raise that kind of money and please God they keep raising more in years to come.”

Red Letter confirms her class in Snow Fairy strike

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Red Letter relished the step up in trip to run out a cosy winner of the Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes at the Curragh.

Trained by Ger Lyons, the Juddmonte-owned three-year-old began her season in the 1000 Guineas having not been too far away in the Fillies’ Mile last year.

While she finished seventh in the Newmarket Classic, she was less than three lengths behind Desert Flower, although she was a beaten even-money favourite on her next start down in Listed company.

Lyons kept her to that level at Killarney last time out when she looked ready for further and so it proved in this nine-furlong Group Three contest.

The Frankel filly looked to have conceded first run to John and Thady Gosden’s Sand Gazelle, but when Gary Carroll pulled the 6-5 favourite out she powered home.

The winning margin was a length and a half and she looks ready to step back up in class.

“That was lovely. As I said to Barry (Mahon, Juddmonte racing manager) she’s crying out for that trip but is probably only ready for it now,” said Lyons.

“You can see it in her physically, she’s only filling her frame.

“We’ll have a look at the Blandford. The ground is very important, she needs ease in the ground.

“We have a lovely horse to look forward to next year. We’ve just had to be so patient with her. You can see the size of her there, she was angular, and she should only be starting now.

“Hopefully she’ll fulfil all of her potential in the next 12 months. She’s a filly to look forward to.

“We’re looking forward to the end of this year, which is Champions Weekend – which is very important to us.

“Obviously the family have their say on her, but we’ve been training her with all of this in mind, the back end and next year. It looks like she’s going to fulfil her potential and thank us for being patient.

“I think she can get a mile and a half no problem.”

Red Letter steps up for Group Three Curragh test

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After getting back to winning ways at Killarney, Red Letter creeps up in distance for the Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

Ger Lyons’ filly was a high-class juvenile who began her three-year-old campaign as a Classic hope and although unable to land a blow in the 1000 Guineas earlier in the season, her latest efforts have seen her get back on track.

Although narrowly beaten by Jessica Harrington’s reopposing hat-trick seeker Barnavara at Navan in June, Red Letter made a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure in Listed company last month, with connections now keen to test the daughter of Frankel over further in this nine-furlong Group Three.

“She’s in good form, Ger is happy with her and we’ve had rain in Ireland, which will help,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.

“We’ve been gung-ho all year to go up in trip and this is our first step on that route, so hopefully it will suit. We were heading for a mile and a quarter and this race appeared, so we said we’d go that way and we’re firmly on route to going a mile and a quarter with her.

“I thought she was game and gutsy to win the last day in Killarney, where she needed every yard of the mile, so we’re hopeful we’ll have a good run from her on Saturday.”

John and Thady Gosden’s York Listed winner Sand Gazelle is an interesting contender, with Daniel Tudhope making the trip to Ireland for just ride, while Dermot Weld won the race with Tarawa 12 months ago and attempts to repeat the dose with Meadow Court Stakes runner-up Azada.

Sand Gazelle is the sole British challenger in the Snow Fairy Stakes
Sand Gazelle is the sole British challenger in the Snow Fairy Stakes (Steven Parson/PA)

Pat Downes, general manager for owner the Aga Khan’s Irish studs, said: “Any rain would certainly help as she enjoys a bit of ease in the ground and she’s in great form, so we’re looking forward to letting her take her chance.

“It was a good run behind One Look last time and the ground that day was probably a shade quicker than ideal for her. If the forecast rain has arrived, it should make the ground lovely for her.”

There is also Group Three action in the Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes where Aidan O’Brien looks for a sixth victory in 10 years with course-and-distance winner Mission Control.

In opposition is Adrian Murray’s speedy Ipanema Queen, who showed toughness from the front when a Listed course winner recently and now heads back up in distance with her trainer expecting another bold show.

Ipanema Queen (left) is a dual winner at the Curragh
Ipanema Queen (left) is a dual winner at the Curragh (Niall Carson/PA)

Murray said: “She’s progressing nicely and going forward the whole time and I’m sure she will run a big race.

“I’m more than happy to go back up to six furlongs with her. She’s one that we’re kind of looking at the Breeders’ Cup at the backend of the year with. She’s got a lot of likeable qualities and she’s a nice filly going forward.”

Ballydoyle appear to hold all the aces in the Newtownanner Stud Irish EBF Stakes, with Sugar Island and Moments Of Joy the standout names in a field of seven.

In the Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Ireland Irish Cambridgeshire, Ryan Moore teams up with William Haggas’ Lincoln winner Godwinson as they seek another valuable prize.

Composing books Moyglare ticket with Debutante success

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Group One assignments await Composing after she completed her hat-trick with a decisive victory in the Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes at the Curragh.

Fifth on her debut here in May, the daughter of Wootton Bassett improved to open her account at the second time of asking before claiming Group Three honours in the Silver Flash at Leopardstown.

She was a 4-5 favourite to follow up in a Group Two contest trainer Aidan O’Brien had previously won on 14 occasions and odds-on backers will have had few concerns, with Composing tracking her chief market rival Suzie Songs before pulling two and a half lengths clear.

Having completed a big-race double on the card for O’Brien and jockey Wayne Lordan following Constitution River’s success in the Futurity, Composing is the 11-10 favourite from 2-1 for the Moyglare Stud Stakes with Paddy Power, who also make her a 10-1 shot for next year’s 1000 Guineas.

O’Brien said: “She’s a lovely filly and Wayne said when she got there, she thought it was over.

“She’s very straight forward and professional. We thought we’d have to make it and we were delighted that Ger’s filly went on.

“If everything is right, she’ll come back here for the Moyglare.

“She’s so laid back and is the same at home.”

Constitution River too strong for Futurity rivals

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Constitution River made all the running to continue Aidan O’Brien’s domination of the the Coolmore Stud Wootton Bassett Tom Cooper Irish EBF Futurity Stakes.

Giant’s Causeway (1999), Hawk Wing (2001), Gleneagles (2014) and Henri Matisse (2024) are among 17 previous winners of the Group Two contest for the Ballydoyle handler and Constitution River was a 5-6 favourite to add to his tally under Wayne Lordan.

A close second on his Newmarket debut before bolting up at the Galway Festival, the Wootton Bassett colt put that experience to good use up the Curragh straight, bowling along in front before going through the gears with two furlongs to run to leave his four rivals trailing in his wake.

Course-and-distance winner Geryon did his best to go with the leader, but Constitution River was well on top as he passed the post with two lengths in hand.

He said: “He’s a lovely, straightforward horse. He’d a lovely run first time and was still very green when he won the next day.

“Wayne gave him a lovely ride, and he quickened well.”

Paddy Power make Constitution River a 14-1 shot for next year’s 2000 Guineas, with O’Brien looking to move up to Group One level now.

He added: “Obviously you have to look at the National Stakes with him, and he’s going to be very happy going up in trip whenever that time comes.”

O’Briens hoping to cash in with A Boy Named Susie at the Curragh

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Donnacha O’Brien and his sister Ana are out to end their father’s dominance in the Coolmore Stud Wootton Bassett Tom Cooper Irish EBF Futurity Stakes with the exciting A Boy Named Susie at the Curragh on Saturday.

Aidan O’Brien has won the race a record 17 times, with the likes of Giant’s Causeway (1999), Hawk Wing (2001) and more recently Henry Longfellow (2023) and Henri Matisse (2024) among the distinguished Ballydoyle alumni on the roll of honour.

He is well represented once again with Constitution River, who built on his narrow defeat at Newmarket on debut when scoring nicely at Galway. But it his son who could prove the fly in the ointment with his impressive Killarney winner, who is owned by Ana O’Brien.

Donnacha O’Brien said: “He’s in good form and trained well since Killarney. We’re stepping back in trip a furlong, but I don’t think it will be a problem for him.

“It’s a good step up in class, but everything in the race is probably in the same boat and we’ll find out how good he is.

“I think if I had a colt who was able to compete in the likes of the National Stakes or Dewhurst, it would be him. He obviously won impressively first time out so I was eager to keep him on this path and treat him as a good horse until he proves me wrong.

“Everything has gone to plan and we don’t know where his limits are yet, so it will be good to at least test him at this level.”

It is a similar story in the Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes, where the Ballydoyle trainer saddles commanding Silver Flash Stakes winner Composing, with Donnacha fielding stiff opposition in the form of Balantina.

A course winner on her second start, she was third to Venetian Sun in a high-quality renewal of the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot before being denied by the barest of margins in the Prix Six Perfections most recently.

“She’s been a very solid filly and probably a bit unlucky not to have a few more wins,” continued O’Brien.

“She was slowly away at Ascot in the Albany and finished strongly, then in Deauville the last day she was just nabbed and it was only the nod that went against her when she looked the winner everywhere but on the line.

“She’s in good form and trained well since then. We’re backing her up quicker than ideal since her trip to France, but she’s in very good form and I think the track and trip and everything about the race will suit her, so we’re happy to let her take her chance.”

Ger Lyons’ unbeaten Suzie Songs adds plenty of spice to a race that also includes Willie McCreery’s Skydance and Gavin Cromwell’s Brownstown, who were second and fourth respectively behind likely favourite Composing at Leopardstown.

The line-up is completed by Karl Burke’s Evolutionist, who won a deep Newmarket maiden earlier this month and steps up significantly in grade.

Burke said: “She’s in good form and we’re very happy with her.

“The drop back to seven (furlongs) is not what we originally planned to do with her, but with the race breaking up a little bit we thought we’d let her take her chance.”

Power Blue on National mission for Adrian Murray

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Adrian Murray is relishing stepping up to seven furlongs with his Phoenix Stakes hero Power Blue in next month’s Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes.

The son of Space Blues followed in the footsteps of Murray’s other Group One scorer Bucanero Fuerte when downing Aidan O’Brien’s True Love at the Curragh, proving his top-class potential after a string of fine runs in defeat since winning the opening race of the Irish turf season in March.

His handler has been delighted with his progress and even has half an eye on next year’s Classics as he looks forward to an appearance on day two of the Irish Champions Festival.

“I’m looking forward to the National Stakes with Power Blue and stepping up a furlong might even suit him better,” said Murray, who confirmed the aforementioned Bucanero Fuerte will run on the same card in the Flying Five Stakes after his win in the Group Three Phoenix Sprint.

“You would have to be looking at him being a possible Guineas horse and he would be entitled to be entered for those races.

“It will all depend on how he progresses from two to three but he’s done nothing but improve and he’s always been competitive, even when he has been beaten. Win or lose, he always shows up on the day and he ran a blinder the other day.

“His form is top-drawer stuff and he’s proving he’s a top-drawer horse.”

Leinster puts seal on Curragh four-timer for Dylan Browne McMonagle

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Leinster capped a fine afternoon for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle when emphatically landing the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes at the Curragh.

Having earlier bagged a treble on the card, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Leinster was sent off at 6-1 to give the 22-year-old a four-timer in this Group Three event.

The four-strong field raced in single file in the early stages and McMonagle was motionless aboard Leinster as the four-year-old travelled powerfully into the straight full of running and seemingly ready to make his mark.

With Dallas Star and Absurde giving way with a furlong to run and Ryan Moore easing down 10-11 favourite Puppet Master, the coast was clear for Leinster to surge four-and-a-quarter lengths clear and give the young jockey a highlight reel finish to his afternoon at Irish headquarters.

McMonagle said, “We went a steady speed, and he was a bit in my hands all the way. I’d love if they had gone on a stride, but I just needed to get him to relax today because we were riding him forward and he was just doing too much the last couple of days.

“Today coming back in trip and up in grade I thought there would have been more of an even gallop on, but we did go slow again.

“I was comfortable down past the two and I just let him flow. He stays this trip well and is a good horse.”

After notching up a 877-1 four-timer, McMonagle headed to Tramore for three further rides on Saturday evening.

Zahrann advertises big-race credentials in Royal Whip

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Zahrann produced a tremendous display to regain the winning thread and lead home a Johnny Murtagh one-two in the Newbridge Silverware Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh.

Impressive when winning twice earlier in the season, he missed out on a hat-trick when narrowly denied by Ralph Beckett’s Amiloc in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Despite the defeat, he left the Royal meeting with his reputation firmly enhanced, and as such was sent off 2-1 second-favourite behind Aidan O’Brien’s odds-on market leader Los Angeles in his quest to get back to winning ways in this Group Three event.

It was Murtagh’s 300-1 outsider Tangapour who led the field into the final quarter-mile, but when Zahrann’s jockey Ben Coen asked his mount to bravely squeeze up his stablemate’s inner to make his winning run, he found a willing ally who displayed a race-winning turn of foot close home.

He finished two-lengths clear of Tangapour who in turn tenaciously held off Joseph O’Brien’s Galen for second, with Los Angeles unable to land a telling blow in fourth.

And having passed this stern examination of his credentials, Murtagh is now excited to test Zahrann in Group One company, as he sets his sights on a run in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes on September 13.

Murtagh said: “We wanted to see where we stood today. Ben went the brave man’s route today, got the gap and he quickened up.

Trainer Johnny Murtagh was delighted with Zahrann
Trainer Johnny Murtagh was delighted with Zahrann (Niall Carson/PA)

“I haven’t spoken to anybody yet, but hopefully we’ll be able to go for the Irish Champion. Today was the test.

“It looked in Ascot like he was a little bit slow, but I think a strong mile and a quarter should suit him around Leopardstown. He has to improve again, but he might.

“He’s a very relaxed horse that doesn’t show much at home and is learning on the job. He’s a typical Aga Khan horse and reminds me a bit of Sinndar that when he clicks into gear someday, he might realise how good he is.

“He’s still underdeveloped and I think he could be a really nice four-year-old.”

Royal Whip run could determine Zahraan plans

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Zahrann could set up an exciting autumn if regaining the winning thread in the Newbridge Silverware Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

Impressive when climbing the ladder earlier in the season, Johnny Murtagh’s talented colt lost little in defeat when narrowly failing to reel in Amiloc at Royal Ascot and with Group One entries having been made for later in the season, he faces another examination of his potential as he takes on star older horse Los Angeles in this red-hot Group Three event.

Murtagh said: “Everything has gone smoothly since Ascot. He ran great in the King Edward VII Stakes and he came out of it well. We gave him plenty of time to get over it and we’re looking forward now to going to the Curragh.

Zahrann (right) finished second to Amiloc at Ascot
Zahrann (right) finished second to Amiloc at Ascot (David Davies/PA)

“It’s a tough looking race but it will tell us where we’re going for the rest of the season. We hope it goes well at the weekend and we will get that out of the way first then make a plan.”

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Los Angeles heads the market for the 10-furlong contest, but he is on a retrieval mission after disappointing when a well-beaten favourite in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal meeting.

The proven quality in the line-up, last year’s Irish Derby winner is unbeaten at this venue and connections will be hoping the return to Kildare proves inspirational in this stopping point en-route to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Los Angeles (left) winning at the Curragh earlier this year
Los Angeles (left) winning at the Curragh earlier this year (Niall Carson/PA)

O’Brien also looks to hold a strong hand in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial, where Puppet Master has been tasked with enhancing the handler’s fine record in the race.

Willie Mullins will saddle the consistent Absurde in opposition, while Dallas Star will bid to continue Adrian Murray’s dream run at the Curragh after last weekend’s big-race double.

Murray said: “He will be going with a chance. He’s a good horse without being probably a top-draw horse, but a race like this should suit him.

“He got within a couple of lengths of Kyprios earlier in the season and it takes a good horse to do that and I do think he will run a big race.

“He’s probably a little bit short of being that top, top horse, but you’d like to think he can be competitive and I think this trip will be key to him and his forte down the road. I guess we’ll know more after the race on Saturday evening.”

Dallas Star has always been well-regarded
Dallas Star has always been well-regarded (Brian Lawless/PA)

Murray also has strong claims in the Listed Mitsubishi Electric Curragh Irish EBF Curragh Stakes with Ipanema Queen, who impressed over a furlong extra here on debut.

Although struggling to make an impression in what has proven a strong renewal of the Albany Stakes, the daughter of Sands Of Mali bumped into an above-average type when second to Havana Anna in the Marwell Stakes at Naas and is fancied to hit the frame in her second outing at five furlongs.

Murray added: “I expect her to run a nice race, the horses are all very well in themselves and I couldn’t be happier with how they are going.

“She’s a course winner and when you’ve won there it’s a plus. We’re happy to let her take her chance and she’s in great form.”

Diamond Necklace sparkles on debut for O’Brien

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Aidan O’Brien is harbouring Group One hopes for Diamond Necklace after a straightforward success over a better-fancied stablemate in the Grand Hotel Malahide Irish EBF Fillies Juvenile Race at the Curragh.

A St Mark’s Basilica half-sister to top-level scorers Chicquita and Magic Wand, Diamond Necklace was sent off a 9-1 shot under Wayne Lordan on her debut, with Ryan Moore opting to ride Minerva instead.

Moore’s mount raced prominently throughout and as Diamond Necklace really hit her stride in the closing stages, Minerva had no answer and had to settle for a length-and-a-half defeat.

O’Brien is anticipating plenty of progress from the winner and said: “She’s a lovely filly with a great pedigree.

“Her dad didn’t win a maiden for another three weeks so that’s St Mark’s Basilica for you. He went on to win the Dewhurst and how he improved from two to three was incredible.

“She could end up being one for the Fillies’ Mile with maybe a run or two in between. She’s going to be lovely next year.”

Paddy Power make Diamond Necklace a 25-1 chance for next year’s 1000 Guineas.

O’Brien and Moore had claimed the preceding Audi Naas Irish EBF Maiden in style as Mission Central (4-1) galloped home eight lengths clear of Chicago Pope.

The son of No Nay Never was out of the places on his initial outing in April but O’Brien felt a subsequent gelding operation had the desired effect.

He said: “We ran him in Dundalk the first day and he was a bit worse than green, so that’s why we took him home and gelded him.

“He’s been perfect since and we’ll go up to a Listed or Group race with him next time. He’s a very quick horse.”

Geryon sprang an 18-1 surprise for Ger Lyons in the opening Revamp Conservation And Restoration Irish EBF Maiden, although the trainer was not shocked to see Colin Keane’s mount prevail.

He said: “We have two colts that we like, this fella and Res Ipsa who ran at Leopardstown on Thursday. Res Ipsa fluffed his lines so I suppose it took away confidence and hence his starting price, but they are two similar horses.

“You would like to think there would be plenty of improvement as it was his first day away from Glenburnie and first day on turf.

“The best-looking horse I had by Lope de Vega was Endless Drama, who was second in the Guineas, and this is the second best one I’ve had by him. He’s a very good-looking colt.”

Power Blue downs True Love in Phoenix shock

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True Love suffered a shock defeat as Power Blue turned around previous form to win the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

The Adrian Murray-trained Power Blue was beaten five and three-quarter lengths by Aidan O’Brien’s True Love in the Railway Stakes last time out and as a result she was sent off a 1-4 favourite in the absence of stablemate Gstaad, who was a non runner.

Power Blue was one of two runners for Amo Racing along with Do Bronxs and the pair were prominent from the off, with Ryan Moore sitting on their heels aboard True Love.

Do Bronxs dropped away quickly when the race began in earnest and it looked as though True Love was coming to win with a furlong to run but 10-1 shot Power Blue was incredibly game for jockey David Egan, digging deep to repel her challenge by a length and a half.

It was a further length and three-quarters back to Green Sense in third.

Power Blue reversed previous form with True Love
Power Blue reversed previous form with True Love (Damien Eagers/PA)

Egan said: “He wears his heart on his sleeve. We went hard all the way with that tailwind. I’m sure we went fast fractions, and we really ran them into the ground. It was a really tough performance.

“I was glad when I jumped out of the gates and the fancied one (True Love) was on my left. I always kept an eye on her. I could have stayed straight, but I just angled over so he would have something to fight against because he loves a battle. That was key.”

The winning connections were completing a quickfire double after Bucanero Fuerte landed the Group Three Phoenix Sprint Stakes and Egan added: “It’s fantastic, a mega day.

“It’s my first Group One for Amo, which is huge for myself and the team. So much hard work goes into it and Kia puts a lot into the game. He obviously had his critics but to give him a day like this is a proud day.

“I knew the second half of the season was going to be better than the first half for us, and the second year better than the first, and the third year better than the second. It’s all about giving it time.”

Murray said: “I’ve never had a better day in racing. The two horses looked amazing today.

“I said to Robson (Aguiar, assistant trainer) coming down here that he’s got bigger and stronger and is improving all year. He was entitled to take his chance and has never run a bad race.

“He had a brilliant run in Ascot and is improving all year.

“A furlong out I was starting to think the filly wasn’t getting to him. She was starting to come under pressure, and he was still in his comfort zone.”

Bucanero Fuerte fends them all off at the Curragh

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Bucanero Fuerte secured a game front-running success in the Group Three FBD Hotels And Resorts Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh.

The four-year-old won the Group One Phoenix Stakes at this fixture in 2023 and after a mixed run of luck last year, he was retired to stand at stud.

However, Bucanero Fuerte’s stallion career was unsuccessful and he returned to the care of Adrian Murray, winning at Naas in May before a setback derailed subsequent plans at Royal Ascot.

Back in top form for this contest, David Egan took the initiative early on and while Art Power tried to match him, Bucanero Fuerte (11-2) looked to have his measure with a furlong to run.

My Mate Alfie and Kind Of Blue both made their bids for glory in the final of six furlongs, but Bucanero Fuerte was just too strong, going on to win by a length and quarter.

Owner Kia Joorabchian, who runs his horses under the Amo Racing banner, said: “A lot of credit to Adrian (Murray) and Robson (Aguiar) for the training performance there and David gave him an unbelievable ride – just the way he likes to be ridden.

“He’s a tough horse who has given us a lot of joy and a lot of tough days as well with health scares. He had a colic issue at Ascot (this year).

“I’m glad to see him back happy on the track. We’re definitely not taking him out of Ireland now for a while!

“He could be aimed at the Flying Five as he loves the Curragh.”

Looking forward to the second half of the season, Joorabchian added: “We have much deeper pedigrees and I’m expecting a better second half and we’ll be in a very good place to lead into next year.”

Gstaad given Prix Morny option after missing Phoenix

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Gstaad could be rerouted to the Prix Morny at Deauville after bypassing Saturday’s Keeneland Phoenix Stakes.

Aidan O’Brien’s Coventry Stakes winner was due to clash with his fellow Royal Ascot-winning stablemate True Love in the Curragh Group One but the handler was not totally satisfied with Gstaad’s condition on Friday.

After overnight monitoring, O’Brien opted to declare Gstaad a non-runner and as long as the son of Starspangledbanner returns to form in the coming days, he could seek consolation in the French Group One on August 24.

O’Brien said: “He had no temperature and everything was right, but he didn’t eat up.

“Looking at that type of thing, he could have a temperature tomorrow and if he has a temperature tomorrow, every hour he has a temperature he needs a week off.

“If he doesn’t have a temperature and nothing is wrong in the next few days he’ll go to Deauville for the Morny.

“The original plan for the filly (True Love) was to go for the Morny. I don’t know why I left her in (the Phoenix Stakes) but there was something in my head and that’s what happened and how it is.

“Sometimes when you are looking at them every day it’s a feeling you get.”