Magical run makes it two in a row for O’Brien
MAGICAL (9/2) yesterday became only the second horse to record back-to-back wins in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, claiming the notable scalp of Ghaiyyath in the process.
Seamie Heffernan sat on the tail of the 8/13 favourite, ridden by William Buick, throughout and asked his mount to pick him up after the home turn.
She was in front a furlong out and, try as he might, the Godolphin flagbearer couldn’t get back in front despite a brave rally.
At the line a neck separated the pair with Armory, a 66/1 stablemate of the winner, in third.
Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said: ‘What she wants is always to eyeball a horse in battle. Seamie was happy to make the running today if William wanted to get a lead and if William was going to go, Seamie was going to go with him and keep her interested.
‘It was a brilliant ride and she’s a serious mare. It’s really when you get into a battle with her, you see what she can do.’
Magical was initially retired from racing at the end of last year after a setback ruled her out of a planned Breeders’ Cup run, but owners John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith reversed that decision and returned her to training in the spring – a move that has reaped rich dividends.
O’Brien added: ‘The lads made the call and all credit to them for doing it. She was booked to go to No Nay Never and we were just so delighted that they decided to give her another go. They said
that hopefully No Nay Never will be there next year and hopefully she will be as well. She’s an amazing mare.’
Meanwhile, Tom Marquand picked up a memorable winning spare ride as Galileo Chrome landed the Pertemps St Leger at Doncaster.
Shane Crosse was forced to miss the mount on Joseph O’Brien’s charge when testing positive for Covid-19 on Friday and connections turned to Marquand, who was taken off then Investec Derby favourite English King the week before the Epsom Classic.
He was at his strongest aboard the 4/1 winner who was pressed by Berkshire Rocco (16/1) throughout the final furlong but was a neck in front at the line. Pyledriver (9/2) was a length further away in third, having drifted markedly to his left when throwing down his challenge.