Raised to a lofty mark of 117 for his Galway success, the Ger Lyonstrained chestnut, set for a winter campaign in Dubai, proved his star quality when landing the Group 3 Solonaway Stakes at the Curragh, beating
Ansgar and the highly-regarded Darwin.
Ballydoyle will be represented by Darwin in the Group 2 Dubai Challenge Stakes, in which Joseph O'Brien's mount will be joined by compatriots Fiesolana (Billy Lee) and
Ansgar (Rory Cleary).
And the Group 2 Dubai Challenge Stakes, over seven furlongs, is the target for Willie McCreery's progressive filly Fiesolana (Billy Lee) and the Sabrina Harty-trained
Ansgar (Rory Cleary).
Gro 1 On the supporting card, crack apprentice Colin Keane registered his first Group-race victory when 117-rated Brendan Brackan landed the Group 3 Solonaway Stakes, beating
Ansgar and disappointing odds-on favourite Darwin.
Gordon Lord Byron ground out a hard earned success under Johnny Murtagh in the Group 3 Desmond Stakes after the long odds on favourite got on top close home to beat the front running
Ansgar by a neck for trainer Tom Hogan.
8.00:
ANSGAR (D P McDonogh, 6-1) 1; Akasaka (13-2) 2; Cul Baire (4-1f) 3.
And course specialist Denny Crane hinted at a return to form when fourth to
Ansgar last time and should be noted in the finale.
Owner
Ansgar Schmidt resigned from the company on the same date, leaving Rosenbauer manager Hubert Heissl as the sole managing director.