Dylan Browne McMonagle steers Al Riffa in© Photo Healy Racing
The decision to supplement Al Riffa for the Group One Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh paid off in spectacular fashion as he delivered at 9/1.
Dylan Browne McMonagle, riding his first Group One winner, rode him into contention as a tightly-bunched field hit the final furlong.
His partner was strongest in the final 100 yards as he made relentless headway to lead before staying on best to score by a length and a quarter from Proud And Regal (9/1).
Browne McMonagle said: "He's a gorgeous horse. I just followed the boys up and I thought we didn't go mad and I was keen to get up on Ryan (Moore on Aesop's Fables because he can be a bit lazy and I knew his was a solid horse.
"It was a classy race and when I gave him a click at the three (pole) to get up beside him, I nearly had to take a pull at the two pole I was going so well.
"When I got stuck into him, he lengthened really well and he always just does enough when he gets there. He doesn't lack any speed either when you get stuck into him. He is very exciting for the future.
"An unbelievable performance and a massive thanks to Joseph for all the opportunities. A massive day and hopefully it is the first of many. This is what dreams are made for."
O'Brien, who saddled a double after Above The Curve s Group 2 victory earlier, said: "It was a special performance. He won his maiden well and the owners were keen to supplement him for this.
“It was a very impressive performance to come from the back of the field like that.
“He was a big shell of a horse as a yearling and I thought he'd make a lovely three-year-old, I didn't for a minute think he'd make the two-year-old that he has made.
“He was a big, good moving horse and a horse that was going to mature well. His family is all stamina and for him to be doing what he's doing at this stage is very positive for the future.
“We always thought he was a middle distance horse, and he's closely related to an Ascot Gold Cup winner so that's real stamina, but he's not slow and didn't look anyway slow today.
“I'd imagine he's a Guineas horse for sure and we'll take it from there. He's a classy horse and very exciting.
“The plan coming here was to go on to the race on Arc day but we'll see how he comes out of it today and discuss it with the owners.
“We thought if we ran in the first three it would be a really good run and that would set him up lovely for the race in France.
“That's what we were hoping and to see him come on the bridle down to the two today was quite special.”
On Browne McMonagle he added: “Dylan has been riding very well for the last number of years.
“He won on this horse and he was entitled to keep the ride on him. I thought he gave him a marvellous confident ride and he has a big future.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
