Trainer A. O’Brien revels in triumph as his duo dominates the High Chaparral European Breeders Fund Mooresbridge Stakes at Curragh
The unprecedented success of the trainer A. P. O’Brien carries on as after being the star trainer of both the Classics, he won the Group 3 High Chaparral European Breeders Fund Mooresbridge Stakes on 7th May at Curragh over a mile and two furlongs.
From among his three entries for the race, St Nicholas Abbey was the 2/5 favourite while Windsor Palace was being counted upon as the pace setter for the race. His third entry for the race was Robin Hood, who too was basically sent in for aiding the pace
of the race.
Windsor Palace was ridden by C. O’Donoghue while the race’s favourite had J. P. O’Brien guiding him through the track. When turning in both the stable mates threw themselves into the highest of gear and had the rest of the lot following in some ten lengths
away.
The final furlong had the stable mates reeling in for the wire and it was not before the very final length that the crowds and connections were shocked due to the lead been taken on by Windsor Palace and not the hot favourite of the race St Nicholas Abbey.
The winning trainer said: "He (Windsor Palace) had a good run here the last day (third behind Excelebration) and he's a soft ground horse.
"We knew St Nicholas Abbey wasn't a heavy ground horse, everyone knows that. Joseph just let him find himself there and it was his first run back after Dubai.
"He (St Nicholas Abbey) ran a lovely race and we're delighted with him. You'd be happier if he won but he didn't, but there's always another day. The Coronation Cup will be next for him."
Settling third behind the leading pair was Johnny Murtagh’s ride, Sharestan, while the third entry of the winning trainer, Robin Hood, could only manage the fourth position with Seamie Heffernan onboard.
Last time that St Nicholas Abbey won was in the final start of the previous season on 5th November in the Group 1 Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs over a mile and four furlongs.
He was riding with J. P. O’Brien and had the final 2 ¼ lengths under his charge.
His two tries ever since the new season shot off resulted in him being qualified as the runner up.
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