HERO’S CLASSIC HAT-TRICK IN ST LEGER FINAL

CLONBRIEN HERO created his own piece of history at Limerick on Saturday night when he won his third classic of the season as he led all the way to claim the €25,000 Golden Vale Irish St Leger prize.

Already the winner of both the BIF Produce Stakes and the Irish Independent Laurels, the Graham Holland-trained tracker was an emphatic winner of the 550-yards Leger.

He led narrowly from traps and was chased around the bend by Jaytee Yankee with Ballybough Dad, Sonic and Droopys Cabaye involved in first-bend crowding.

Clonbrien Hero, owned by Jim and Kay Murphy from Athlacca, had a lead of two-and-a-half lengths early in the back straight and he was in control of his own destiny. At the line he was three lengths in front of Jaytee Yankee with Sonic recovering to be a neck third.

No decision has yet been made as to whether Clonbrien Hero will go on to the Night of Stars on Saturday week or be put away for the winter.

A hugely exciting finale to the Red Mills Select Stakes is anticipated at Waterford on Saturday after two great semi-final efforts from Black Farren and Crohane Ronnie.

Black Farren led all the way in Heat 2 and had an emphatic four-and-a-half-length margin over Drive On Mike in 28.31 while Crohane Ronnie got up late to beat Lughil Robbie by a length-and-a-half in 28.32.