Laurens batters Alpha in Matron

LAURENS was given a brilliant ride by Danny Tudhope to land the Group One Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

The North Yorkshiretrained filly defeated the seemingly unbeatable Alpha Centauri.

Tudhope, deputising for the injured PJ McDonald, got the fractions spot on as he led all the way on Karl Burke’s stable star who was winning her fourth Group One.

Jessica Harrington’s Alpha Centauri was sent off the 30-100 market leader as she went in search of her fifth Group One win on the bounce.

But Laurens spoiled the party for the favourite.

Laurens, who won the French Oaks in June, was in control with two furlongs to run but Alpha Centauri appeared to be hitting top gear for Colm O’Donoghue.

However she appeared to momentarily falter as she went upsides Laurens and the British raider took full advantage to win at odds of 10-1.

Burke said it was the best moment of his training career, adding: “I would be very surprised if owner John Dance doesn’t want to go for the Sun Chariot now. We would be keen to win another UK Group One if we can.”

Harrington said of Alpha Centauri: “She got to the lead and she took a bad step. Then she took another one towards the end. We live to fight another day.”

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