Fernando Vichi (Gavin Ryan) beats The Mediterranean (Seamie Heffernan)© Photo Healy Racing
The Listed Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown saw an O’Brien one two three led home by Donnacha’s Fernando Vichi (7/2 out to 5/1) with Gavin Ryan in the plate.
Aidan’s favourite The Mediterranean (7/4) was second for Ballydoyle, whilst there was a bronze medal for the other O’Brien trainer, Joseph, through his German-bred Camelot colt Ruling
Fernando Vichi was prominent and led after a furlong. He was ridden clear under two furlongs and he was four lengths up a furlong out.
The successful son of Australia had a reduced lead towards the finish but was always doing enough to keep The Mediterranean and Ruling at bay by three parts of a length and the same.
Donnacha O'Brien said afterwards: “He had a good run the last day and we always knew he was going to be a mile-and-a-half horse, at least.
“Gavin gave him a lovely ride today, he got a nice easy lead but he quickened up well. He put lengths on them and then got a little bit lazy in the last half furlong. I thought it was a good performance.
“I think he's earned a shot at the Irish Derby now, that looks like the obvious target.
“He's a horse that stays very well and I wouldn't be surprised if we step him up again after that.”
When asked if he could be a Leger horse in time he added:- “I think so, there is a lot of stamina in his pedigree and he has a nice lazy relaxed way of going. I see no reason why he shouldn't be.
“He quickened up very well today so he deserves a shot at a big one over a mile-and-a-half before we start thinking that way.”
(GC & EM)
