National Stakes goes to Thunder Moon in impressive style They had to settle for the runner-up spot half-an-hour earlier with Pretty Gorgeous, but Group One honours did come to Joseph O’Brien and Declan McDonogh in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh through exciting Zoffany colt Thunder Moon. Bred by Aidan and Anne Marie O’Brien’s Whisperview Trading Ltd, the juvenile was beginning here for owner Chantal Regalado Gonzalez, having previously won a barrier trial and course and distance maiden in the colours of the trainer’s mother. We had drama before the start with Masen rearing over in the stalls. He was able to race after being checked over, and eventually finished last of the ten. Thunder Moon was short of space and checked over a furlong out, as was favourite Lucky Vega. McDonogh switched to the inner inside the last, and Thunder Moon quickened up like a very good horse to beat O’Brien’s father Aidan’s Wembley by a length and a half. Aidan also had the third, St Mark’s Basilica, a short head back. The unfortunate Lucky Vega finished fifth. Paddy Power go 8/1 joint favourite first show about Thunder Moon for the 2000 Guineas. Following on from his St Leger win yesterday at Doncaster with Galileo Chrome, the latest top-level winner for the Piltown trainer understandably impressed McDonogh. The jockey said: “He quickened very well. I just got on their heels when I was trying to angle out a little bit, I had to bite the bullet and sit and suffer. “He showed great heart when he got a bit of room. He was always giving me the feel that he was going to run them down and he was very impressive. “He was very impressive the first day but you just never know what you are beating. I'd say he's got a serious will to win because when he got tight he just wanted to run by them again. “I'd say the ground was as slow as he wants it, he has a real fast ground action and I think fast ground will suit him really well as he's a strong traveller. “He seemed like he was in third gear the whole way. It's lovely to get a Group 1.” S. Foley, rider of Lucky Vega trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got no run and was checked twice in the closing stages. The Stewards enquired into possible interference about one and a half furlongs from the finish involving Lucky Vega, ridden by S. Foley, placed fifth, Mac Swiney, ridden by K.J. Manning, unplaced, Master Of The Seas, ridden by W. Buick, placed fourth, Thunder Moon, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed first and Wembley, ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed second, where it appeared that Lucky Vega was short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings. Furthermore they were satisfied that any interference caused was accidental in nature and took no further action (GC & EM)
