Magellan Strait leads home his rivals under Hugh Horgan© Photo Healy Racing
The outsider of the 30-runner field for the Friends Of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch, Magellan Strait sprang a huge 150/1 surprise under 7lb apprentice Hugh Horgan.
Twice successful last term, the Joseph O'Brien-trained four-year-old disappointed over the course and distance on Derby weekend and while third on his next start at Leopardstown, he again failed to make an impact at Galway.
Soon settled behind the leaders and third halfway, the Ray Grehan-owned chestnut was pushed along in second on the approach to the straight.
Ridden over two-furlongs from home, he kept finding for pressure and edged to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to beat Falcon Eight by half-a-length.
The runner-up, who didn't have much luck in running, was returned at 40/1 under Jake Coen for Dermot Weld, just a short head in front of Dawn Rising (7/1 from 12s), a stable companion of the winner.
There was another half-a-length back to Jesse Evans (25/1) in fourth, while My Mate Mozzie who looked the most likely winner when hitting the front over a furlong from home, faded in the closing stages and finished fifth.
Returned the 16/5 favourite, Tower Of London could only manage ninth under Ryan Moore for Aidan O'Brien.
"It's a fantastic win. A great run and a great ride from Hugh," said O'Brien.
"He's not been the most consistent horse in the world but when he runs his race he generally runs a good race. Hugh got a great tune out of him today.
"He stays very well and stamina has always been his thing. That's what he did today, he outstayed them.
"I'm delighted for Ray, he bred the horse. He's run some very good races and he's had a few disappointing runs in the middle of it. It's a big day today for everyone.
"Hugh's instructions were to go forward, get a nice position, and make sure that stamina counted and to go out on his sword. He committed at the bottom of the straight and he kept galloping.
"The second horse ran a great race, carrying a lot of weight, two weeks after the Leger.
"It was a great run, he got a lovely run around, and I'm very proud of his run again.
"I don't know if he'll go back over hurdles as he's had a busy enough summer. We'll speak to JP (McManus) and Frank (Berry) and see. He might have a little break and come back next year."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Echoes In Rain (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
J. Kearney, rider of Weston (GER), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost his action up the straight.
N.G. McCullagh, rider of Drop The Anchor trained by P.A.Fahy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stumbled after two furlongs hitting a ridge.
J.A. Powell, rider of My Mate Mozzie, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was short of room in the last half furlong.
The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Joseph Patrick O'Brien, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Magellan Strait, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Joseph Patrick O'Brien stated that his charge doesn't like being crowded in his races and a wide draw and a good start contributed to todays improvement in form. The Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Falcon Eight, ridden by J. Coen, placed second, Jesse Evans, ridden by R. Whearty, placed fourth, Magellan Strait, ridden by H.J. Horgan, placed first, and My Mate Mozzie, ridden by J.A. Powell, fifth, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence J. Coen stated that he was going for a gap when it closed. R. Whearty stated that his mount got tired in the last one hundred yards and he kept him as straight as he could. H.J. Horgan stated that his mount galloped well to the line and felt he did not cause any interference. J.A. Powell stated that it got a little tight for room and that his mount received a slight bump to his hind quarters. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that J. Coen, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four racedays.
Mr. M.C Hickey recused himself from this enquiry.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.P. McDonogh, rider of Dawn Rising, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that D.P. McDonogh was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having taken his previous record into account the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four racedays.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed H.J. Horgan, rider of Magellan Strait, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that H.J. Horgan was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) (frequency) and having taken his previous record into account the Raceday Stewards suspended H.J. Horgan for four racedays.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
