CaprisetforArctiltafterMoore completesClassicfullhouse
RYAN MOORE completed the full set of British Classics when Capri, the Irish Derby winner sent off the 3/1 favourite, won the 242nd St Leger at Doncaster. It was trainer Aidan O’Brien’s fifth victory in the world’s oldest Classic.
Aidan O’Brien’s grey Galileo colt came home half a length in front of Gordon Stakes winner Crystal Ocean, with Stradivarius, the Goodwood Cup winner, a short-head back in third following a driving finish between the first three in the betting.
Moore, whose nine previous domestic Classics (2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, Derby and Oaks) include at least two wins in each, was delighted to have finally cracked the Leger despite this being only his eighth ride in it.
“It was a hard race but Capri didn’t look like a horse who had killed himself afterwards. He was the best horse on the day. He was very brave when thesecondcametome–hehasplenty of heart.”
O’Brien said after racking up his 29th British Classic success: “I can’t tell you how delighted I am. Ryan gave him a class ride and when Ryan really wanted, he gave.
“I’m always worried until they’ve crossed the line. But Seamus (Heffernan) always said he was brave. Ryan hadn’t ridden him since the Beresford at two, which was a worry, but the professional he is, it all went right.”
Capri, which becomes the first horse since Nijinsky to double up in the Irish Derby and St Leger, now enters the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe equation.
Meanwhile, Bryan Leading owner Rich Ricci reports his powerful team of jumpers to be in great shape of the new season.
Speaking after watching Thomas Hobson run a fine race to be second in the Doncaster Cup, Ricci said: “This time last year, we were already behind the eight-ball with so many injuries. Vautour died last September and we had all kinds of problems.
“Touch wood, this is the healthiest that our horses have been in a long time.
“Faugheen is moving well and Douvan looks like his old self once again. Last year he wasn’t right for the whole season, but now he wants to own the yard.”
Riven Light has made a quickfire dash into quarantine ahead of a trip to Australia following his Listed success at Listowel last Wednesday.
Following a slightly disappointing novice campaign over hurdles last season, Willie Mullins decided to switch his charge to the Flat this summer and it has proved a masterstroke.
Riven Light claimed the valuable BMW Mile at the Galway Festival, has since won a conditions race at Tipperary and continued his progress with victory in the Listowel Stakes.
The Cox Plate and the Caulfield Cup have been mooted as possible targets for Riven Light once he arrives Down Under. (© Daily Telegraph, London)