Duke De Sessa (far side) just holds Sunchart © Photo Healy Racing
Having looked set to win readily, 13/8 joint-favourite Duke De Sessa was all out to cling on in the Finale Stakes.
Chris Hayes stalked the pace set by fellow joint-favourite Yaxeni and Dermot Weld's Lope De Vega colt, a dual winner at Group 3 level, was full of running when joining that one two furlongs out.
Soon in front, he quickly went clear but Sunchart picked up well from off the pace to give chase inside the final furlong and was cutting into the lead with every stride as the winning post loomed. Duke De Sessa just managed to hold on for a short head victory with Yaxeni a further four and three quarter lengths back in third.
“It was a very good performance from a three-year-old under top-weight,” said Weld.
“The second horse is a five-year-old and as Chris said it's November ground.
“It was a good battling performance and he just started to idle then in front.
“He's performed well all year, he was fifth in the Guineas and has been on the go since April. He's a tough horse.
“He ran a very good race last time and was a bit unlucky not to win in France, he was only beaten a nose and half a length and came from way off it.
“He deserved to go out with a big win again and he's done us proud during the year, he's a multiple group winner and we'll look to having a very major campaign with him next year. He'll be doing a bit of travelling.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
