Racing fans were treated to a thrilling afternoon at the Curragh on Sunday, 28th September, as the historic Irish venue staged a card brimming with quality contests. From promising maidens to high-class Group races and a marathon Irish Cesarewitch, the day unfolded with drama, decisive performances, and moments of brilliance under the autumn skies.
The curtain-raiser at 13:30, The Irish EBF Maiden saw a smart display from SOUTH ISLAND who stamped authority in fine style under G.M. Ryan. CAPE COD chased gamely in second while ENCELADUS stayed on for third and KALIR secured fourth. The victory hinted at a bright future for the winner, carrying the famous Smith, Magnier, and Tabor silks.
At 14:05 The Fitzpatricks Mercedes-Benz Irish EBF Maiden produced another eye-catching winner in SPANGLED SANDS well handled by D. Browne McMonagle. The filly quickened smartly away from the field to beat ZIA ZABEL with WHITE SAND BEACH keeping on for third. SUNRUSH filled fourth in a competitive finish, confirming the race as a solid platform for future juvenile stars
The first of the afternoon’s Group contests, The Weld Park Stakes (Group 3) at 14:37 was a showcase of quality as BLACK CAVIAR GOLD delivered a decisive performance. W.J. Lee timed his move perfectly to deny PIVOTAL ATTACK while MINERVA was a close third. AMELIA EARHART ran on to secure fourth with the race underlining the strength of the emerging Classic hopefuls.
The high-class The Renaissance Stakes (Group 3) at 15:12 lived up to its billing as ART POWER returned to winning ways with a battling success. Driven by D. Allan he repelled the late thrust of KING CUAN, while SPYCATCHER filled third after a tight tussle. CRESTOFDISTINCTION completed the frame in fourth, in what proved one of the day’s most thrilling finishes.
The Handicap action took centre stage at 15:47 with the Keadeen Hotel Nursery Handicap where INVINCIBLE WILL showed great determination to prevail for the Andrew and William Treacy partnership. He was pressed hard by SUNRISE ANGEL who finished a narrow second while SANCTIJUDE ran into third. DUNLEER DANCER completed the first four, giving the contest a typically competitive nursery shape.
The day’s feature and stamina test The Friends Of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch went off at 16:22 with a huge field of thirty-one runners. In a stirring finale it was PUTURHANDSTOGETHER who emerged victorious, delivering a staying masterclass under N.G. McCullagh in the famous green-and-gold of J.P. McManus. CHALLY CHUTE ran a mighty race in second, followed by QUEENSTOWN in third. LORD ERSKINE finished fourth in a gallant effort, capping a race that had the crowd roaring throughout its marathon trip.
At 16:57 The Maiden brought maiden winners into the spotlight once more, this time with SPODO KOMODO edging home in a driving finish. LUNIGIANA pushed the winner all the way for second while POWERACCLAIM took third. GLORY TO BE secured fourth, the quartet pulling clear in a race brimming with promise for future handicaps.
The final, The Handicap set off at 17:30 and closed the afternoon in style. CASTLEHEATH showed real grit and class under Alan O’Sullivan to land the spoils for the Slevin family partnership. GOTTA CATCH’EM ALL tried hard in second with SYLKIE running into third place. ALFALFA filled the final spot ensuring the day ended with another fiercely contested Curragh handicap.
From sparkling maiden winners to the relentless stamina of Cesarewitch contenders, the 28th September race day at the Curragh offered a rich mix of drama and sporting excellence. With future stars uncovered and established names reaffirming their quality, the autumn racing scene in Ireland remains alive with excitement.
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