Gustavus Weston, near side, rallies to beat Woody Creek© Photo Healy Racing
Gustavus Weston took the honours at 16/1 in the Group 3 Qatar Racing And Equestrian Club Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh.
The three-year-old gelding was never far away from the pace and was ridden by Gary Carroll to sweep into the lead coming to the final furlong. Woody Creek threw down the gauntlet approaching the final 100 yards and got on terms, however, Gustavus Weston rallied to pick him up by a neck close home.
Woody Creek, the runner-up, went off at 7/1 and he finished two and a half lengths in front of the admirable veteran Gordon Lord Byron (11/1).
Trainer Joe Murphy said: “We always thought he was a good horse and he learned more running in the big handicap (Tote Scurry last time) which crowned him for this race. He’s getting more professional and I think he’s a horse that will progress.
“I was afraid of the ground but I’m glad now that he handled it and his options are bigger. I’m not sure where he will go now, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t get a bit further.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
