Joseph O'Brien, fresh from a double here yesterday, is now right in contention to be the leading rider of the week after recording his fourth Festival success aboard Rajik in the featured mile and a half Guinness Handicap.
The Charlie Swan-trained gelding appeared a forlorn hope when nearer last than first on the downhill run before the straight. However he really picked up after the home turn, finishing strongly to beat Scandal Sheet by a length and three quarters. Natural High was always close to the pace but the 13/8 favourite could find no extra in the closing stages to finish a further short-head away in third. Swan also trained Zaralabad who kept on late into fifth.
“I fancied Zaralabad as he was working really well but he met a lot of trouble in running. When Rajik met the rising ground he flew home, and he could run again over hurdles here on Sunday,” said Swan.
“We'll see how he comes out of this before making any decision,” said Swan, who was full of praise for the winning rider.
