The wonderful story surrounding Majestic Times reached new heights today as the Liam McAteer-trained gelding gave his handler an initial success at Listed level.
A bargain buy out of Tim Easterbys stable for 5,000 guineas at Newmarket Autumn Sales in 2003, the Bluebird gelding has displayed a highly consistent level of form all season.
Here in the Abergwaun Stakes under Brazilian, Valdir Rodrigo de Souza, the surprise favourite was ridden in 3rd from halfway, led over a furlong out and soon drew clear for a comfortable 2L victory.
Navan-based McAteer was keen to credit his wife Bernie for looking after things during the week whilst he was away at the sales in Newmarket, and Majestic Times could now travel for a race in Dubai.
Seamie Heffernan, out of luck on Osterhase in the feature (a big market drifter on the yielding to soft ground), was earlier in the number one spot following the juvenile maiden.
Ballydoyles Hurricane Cat (6/4 fav), led from halfway, was ridden clear from two furlongs out to easily beat Monsieur Henri by eight lengths.
On her 14th attempt, Maria Luisa arrived travelling well to challenge from the quarter mile pole in the opener before finding plenty for pressure under Padraig Beggy to win by 2L.
The Kevin Prendergast stable jockey, Declan McDonogh was riding the top-rated in the race, Laurannah, who could only manage 9th. Maria Luisa is rated 18Ibs inferior to Laurannah.
Patrick Prendergast was disappointed when Miss Caruso was balloted from the previous maiden but she proved up to landing the hcap in the hands of Niall McCullagh.
'I am delighted to train a winner for Bill Durkan who has been a good help. This mare likes soft ground and I think she will make a smart hurdler,' summed up the Kildare handler.
McCullagh later went on to complete a 164/1 double on Michael Grassicks High Reservation in the median auction race.
Dafaroun is proving to be a brilliant money-spinner for Galway-based, Martin OToole and he gained his 3rd win of the campaign under Tadhg OShea in the sprint hcap.
