Bold Discovery goes up a notch for Amethyst win

Bold Discovery reached new heights with success in the Porsche In Support Of Breast Cancer Ireland Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown.

The four-year-old had Listed form from the Celebration Stakes on his CV from last season but was unplaced at the latter half of the campaign when upped in class.

Having addressed some physical issues and gelded the horse, trainer Jessica Harrington sent him to start his campaign at Group Three level over a mile at Leopardstown.

Under Shane Foley, he was a 5-1 chance and rewarded the effort put into him over the winter to claim a half-length victory and book his ticket for Royal Ascot.

“We’re delighted with that, he’s a horse that’s always promised an awful lot and we’ve held him in very high regard,” said Kate Harrington, assistant trainer to her mother.

“He had an allergy issue last year, it turned out he was allergic to grass.

“When he got his good to firm ground in the Curragh he was very good. We went hunting a bit afterwards with him but we never got our ground.

“Fair play to Marc (Chan, owner) and Jamie McCalmont as they said ‘why don’t we geld him?’ and we actually did a kissing spine operation on him as well.

“He was only just ready to start there today and I think we should have a really exciting season ahead with him.

“We’ll go to Royal Ascot next with him for the Wolferton Stakes. We didn’t put him in the Queen Anne.

“I wasn’t too bothered if we did finish second today as then he wouldn’t have had a penalty for Ascot but now he will!”

Foley added: “He’s a horse who always runs well fresh. The race fell apart a little bit with the non-runners, but it was still a Group Three and a lovely race to win.

“He’s had a few niggly issues, but all of those seem to be sorted now and he’s been training well.

“I want to come back here for the Meld Stakes, but Kate is on about Royal Ascot for him, so we’ll see what happens.”

S. Foley, rider of Bold Discovery (USA), trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lugged right under pressure.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Knight To King trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount suffered interference from both sides and had to check at the furlong pole.

B.M. Coen, rider of Real Appeal (GER), trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left under pressure.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving Bold Discovery (USA), ridden by S. Foley, placed first, Knight To King, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed third, and Real Appeal (GER), ridden by B.M. Coen, placed second, where it appeared Knight To King had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S. Foley stated that his mount leaned slightly right but felt he kept a reasonably straight line. B.M. Coen stated that his mount leaned left but felt he had done enough to keep him straight. C.D. Hayes stated that he ran off the bend and was trying to keep his line but ran short of room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident close to the line involving Bold Discovery (USA), ridden by S. Foley, placed first, and Real Appeal (GER), ridden by B.M. Coen, placed second, where it appeared the two horses came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S. Foley stated that the pressure he received didn't inconvenience his mount. B.M. Coen stated that his mount was leaning left but he corrected him immediately. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action warranted.