Royal Diamond (1/4d cap) just beats Massiyn (left), Aiken (white) and Brown Panther (right)© Photo Healy Racing
Royal Diamond came out best in a bunch finish to land the Gain Horse Feeds Irish St. Leger under Niall McCullagh for Andrew Tinkler and Tommy Carmody.
Favourite Fame And Glory made the pace but when he folded many came through to hold chances. Massiyn looked like he'd prevail but he was pipped on the line by a head by Royal Diamond.
There was a short head and a neck back to the third and fourth, the English raiders, Brown Panther and Aiken
Tommy Carmody, winning trainer and of course the handler of English Leger 4th, Ursa Major, said: "It was a good performance, absolutely fabulous, you couldn't write it.
"I told Niall that he was in great great form. He rode him in his last bit of work and he thought he was in good form and he showed it today.
"This is much much better (than riding) as you are with them twenty four seven. You live with them and you mind them.
"We have a great team, Niall McCullagh and Ben Curtis ride out. There is also the staff and Johnny (Murtagh) rides out most of the time when he's not away riding work elsewhere.
"I'm very grateful to the owner (Andrew Tinkler), he has 17 in training with us. It's through Johnny (Murtagh) that I got involved with him, they are well-bred horses, bred to win Legers.
"It's amazing a six-year-old ex-jumps horse winning a Leger. I was beaten a short head in an Oaks (the Irish version in 1977 on Sassabunda) so this makes up for it.
"Ursa Major ran a good race and it's been a good day."
Meanwhile Orla Murtagh said: "I can't believe it. I'm thrilled for Niall as it's his first classic. He was Johnny's best man and they've been friends for a long time."
A delighted Niall McCullagh remarked: "This is unreal - what all the early mornings and hard work is for.
"The initial plan was to track the leaders but they went slow and he ran a little bit keen. He never flinched and he battled all the way to line. I thought I might have just got there.
"I have ridden many Indian classic winners but they are not like this one, this is special."
The Stewards interviewed R Kingscote, rider of Brown Panther (GB), placed third, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion R Kingscote was in breach of Regulation 10 3.(f) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account they cautioned him as to his future responsibilities in this regard.
(GC & EM)
