Qewy (Declan McDonogh) stays on well to see off Kingsbarns (Joseph O'Brien)© Photo Healy Racing
Qewy was soon in front in the Listed Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown and that was a position he never relinquished to spring an 11/1 surprise (outsider of the five strong field) under Declan McDonogh.
The sweet-travelling Kingsbarns (third beaten Ballydoyle favourite in as many races) failed to pick up on the ground and in the end he lost the second spot near the finish as Pop Art stayed on to take the 'silver.'
The distances were three parts of a length and half a length with a bit of a gap back to Light Heavy and Bold Thady Quill
Winning trainer John Oxx said: "He was a hard horse to weigh up as he only had the three runs last year.
"He was very impressive when he won his maiden on soft ground so we knew he handled soft but we didn't know if he'd handle it this heavy.
"It's hard to find races for him and we said we'd let him take his chance in a listed race. We said we'd let him run here and find out his capabilities on the ground.
"He took off turning in and he found another gear. He won well – he's tough and he's genuine.
"Things didn't work out for him after his first run last year. We didn't know if his rating was a true reflection of his ability – it was a very high mark for a maiden winner.
"Obviously he goes on the soft – we knew that from last year and he didn't like it good to firm (at Roscommon and the Curragh).
"We'll see what distance we can stretch him too – probably not too much further that this."
On Kingsbarns Aidan O'Brien remarked: "I'm very happy with him. He just got tired and he'll come on a ton for it.
"There's nothing set in stone but the Lockinge is a possibility."
(GC & EM)
