Quint Major upstages the market principals

The Mark Molloy-trained Quint Major upstaged the market principals in the concluding Ravens Rock INH Flat Race.

Placed on his first two starts, the Aizavoski chestnut had been disappointing in recent outings, finishing seventh of 12 at Listowel last week.

Sent off a 6/1 chance today, the six-year-old raced mainly in rear under Harry Swan, improving into fourth on the approach to the straight.

Making further headway to lead with less than quarter of a mile to go, he was ridden inside the final furlong and was two and a half lengths clear at the line.

While he finished well ahead of the winner at Listowel, Arctic Lane (11/10f) had to settle for second after leading for much of the race.

A runner-up at Listowel last week, Prove Yourself (6/4 from 10/11 early) never landed a blow and finished fourth.

"I shouldn't have run him in Listowel as the ground became softer and softer as the day went on. I thought I might have got away with going 2m4f but not on that ground.

"I always loved him, he works incredibly well and does everything well and while I was disappointed with him in Down Royal on St Stephen's Day, it wasn't a bad race. He was over the top by his Punchestown run.

"We might go hurdling but I own him in partnership with Sean Ronan so we'll see."

"We are a dual purpose yard and won a Curragh maiden with a filly (Just For One Day) on Saturday who just happened to come my way. I enjoy training whatever I get and train a dozen horses."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes