The KARE Race Day Minstrel Stakes at The Curragh today attracted a poor turnout of just three runners but 1/7 favourite Takar was a worthy winner of the Group 3 event, readily scoring for trainer John Oxx and jockey Johnny Murtagh. Among Equals set the pace but was headed two furlongs out by Takar while Singing Bird (outsider of the three) soon took second from the front-runner. Takar was merely kept up to his work in the final furlong for an easy win over Singing Bird (whose connections were doubtless delighted at the prospect of their black-type 'gift' prior to the event!).

Following Takar's easy win, trainer Oxx stated “it was straightforward for him and it's not often you get a penalty kick!

“He goes on the ground very well and that's a bit surprising as he moves like he wants it hard - his dam wanted it fast too. I've read recently though that Oratorio (Takar's sire) has a good strike rate with his progeny on soft ground.

“Takar's next run will be at Leopardstown in the Desmond Stakes in mid-August – he might have to face fast ground then though. He has only run once on fast ground, in the Guineas, and he didn't run well when we thought he would love it.”