AUSTRALIA JUSTIFIED HIS tag as heavily backed favourite at the Irish Derby by racing clear of his Aidan O’Brien stablemates to claim victory.
Setting off at odds of 1/10, Australia tucked in behind Orchestra and Kigfisher, who also run out of Aidan O’Brien’s stable, set a hot pace.
Jockey Joseph O’Brien, son of Aidan, spurred Australia into making his move in the straight. He kicked on and clear of the five-horse field [Kingston Hill and Geoffrey Chaucer were late withdrawals]. The victory, which came with Australia easing up near the line, completed an impressive double. The horse raced to Epsom Derby success earlier this month.
Earlier in the day there were also victories for Fran Berry, on Kool Kompany, Leigh Roche on Line of Reason and Fountain of Youth, with Seamie Heffernan on board, clinched the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Sapphire Stakes.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and this man [pictured below] were on hand, and enjoying the day, at The Curragh.
Class horse.
1/10 and you say he was “well backed” lol
One punter had 20 k on to win 2, great guts but it really was a sinch when the jockeys instructions were” don’t fall off”
Exactly
If there ever was a “sure thing”.