Scatter takes Group 1 glory in Moyglare

Patrick Prendergast and Ronan Whelan both tasted Group 1 success for the first time at the Curragh this afternoon as Skitter Scatter hit the big time in the Moyglare Stud Stakes.

The Scat Daddy filly, who won her maiden at Dundalk back in April, has been one of the stories of the Flat season, progressing with every run.

She came into the race off the back of an impressive victory in the Debutante Stakes over course and distance last month and justified her position at the head of the market in today's Group 1 contest.

Whelan settled behind the leaders and started to niggle along passing the three furlong pole as the pace proved red hot.

The 7/2 shot picked up to challenge passing the furlong marker, however, and got on top in the closing stages to post a comprehensive two-length success. Lady Kaya who had travelled strongly to dispute two furlongs from home, gave way to finish second while Hermosa ran on to finish third.

Group 1 glory for @WhelanRonan and Patrick Prendergast as Skitter Scatter wins the Moyglare Stud Stakes at @curraghrace: pic.twitter.com/5lLhGp7bOs

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 16, 2018

“I'm quite astounded how good she was. I was thinking if she was in the first three it would be a marvellous result and we could head for the Guineas and have a chance of running well in it. Now I'm just starting to think maybe she might win the Guineas!” said Prendergast.

“I was worried coming into today because I felt it had been a long year for her.

“When she came we just wanted to win our maiden and sure we tried to win one of the earliest maidens of the year at Dundalk.

“She's incredible that she's kept going and she's just kept improving. It was also worrying too that just, as of late, she's just starting to grow, finally, so she's not going to be so small next year.

“We're a small yard and all my staff have worked incredibly hard with this filly. They are all involved with her and that's the beauty of a small yard.

“I'm only a cog in the wheel, I know it sounds like a cliche but without those people around me we wouldn't be here today.

“I said to Ronan going out, because I don't think Ronan realises how good he is, there were other jockeys looking for the ride on this filly, more and more as the year went on, and I told him going out that there was a reason you are on her because you're world class and he is.

“They seemed to be going very fast. She's a five furlong winner and if she's off the bridle they are going very fast.

“She's probably one of the best bred fillies to ever come into my yard and if I'd have my way, it's what I do and how I earn my living, I would have probably had the money in the back pocket long ago.

“Mrs Rogers and Anthony said no, that they wanted to keep racing her, that they were enjoying it and that she was going back to their stud.

“I'm very very lucky in a lot of ways to be here.”

Whelan added:- “She is the filly that keeps on giving. I was a bit worried at halfway as she hit a bit of a flat spot but when I asked her she just kept on finding. She was running around at the finish. She had plenty left in the tank and probably won with a bit in hand.

“I thought we went a right good gallop. The last day she was up in the van but I didn’t think we went that mad. The last two runs she’s hit the line running so you wouldn’t think a mile should be a problem.

“Patrick and all the lads in the yard have done such a great job keeping her fresh and sweet. He’s as good a trainer as any I have ridden for, and I’m just glad that he was able to showcase that today.”

Betfair made Skitter Scatter 20/1 from 33/1 for next year's 1,000 Guineas.