Ebro River leads home his rivals under Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Shane Foley completed a treble in the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes as he guided Ebro River to victory for trainer Hugo Palmer.
Foley finished down the field on Cadillac in the Saratoga Derby yesterday evening and only arrived home from the US at 8am this morning.
Earlier successful on Cowboy Justice and My Holy Fox the Co Kilkenny native was completing a near 370/1 three-timer aboard the chestnut colt.
The third highest rated runner in the line-up on a mark of 104, Ebro River was twice successful in May before finishing fifth in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot,
He was fourth on his most recent starts at Newmarket and Goodwood respectively.
Sent off a 12/1 chance this afternoon, the Al Shaqab Racing owned victor was soon in front. He was ridden and pressed by three of his rivals from over a furlong out and he soon appeared vulnerable.
However, he battled on tenaciously in the closing stages to fend off all challengers, coming home three parts of a length to the good. Dr Zempf (5/2) ran a fine race to finish second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while Go Bears Go (6/4fav) was just a head away in third.
Both the second and third had every chance inside the final furlong but they ultimately couldn't match the winner and had to settle for minor honours.
Foley, who also won this race twelve months ago on Lucky Vega, said: "I had my head between my legs yesterday and it was a long haul home (after Cadillac was beaten in Saratoga). I got in at 8am this morning.
"I flew private with Ryan (Moore) to Boston and it’s thanks to the Magniers for letting me jump on that plane as I wouldn’t have got home otherwise.
"I've had three rides today and three winners including a Group 1 winner so that's brilliant. Racing is full of highs and lows so you need to enjoy the good moments.
"Hugo fancied the horse. He'd a good run in the Coventry and he's tough and genuine.
"I just said I wouldn't mind changing tactics as they had been dropping him in. It looked like there wasn't much pace today and with that tailwind it's hard to get them back."
Paddy Power and Betfair have introduced the winner at 20/1 for the 2000 Guineas, while he is 7/1 (from 12s) for the GImcrack Stakes.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
