Flavius and Declan McDonogh© Photo Healy Racing
Flavius impressed his trainer Dermot Weld with an emphatic victory in the Listed Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown.
The 9-4 favourite was held up early by Declan McDonogh, while Success Days made the running, but moved into contention on the outside and took over with a fine turn of foot in the final furlong to win by half a length from Flight Risk
The three-year-old colt was racing for only the second time this season, and Weld is anticipating significant further improvement next year.
“He’s a 520 kilo horse, and it was only his second run of the year,” said the trainer.
“He was cantering throughout the race, and just got a little bit tired going to the line.
“He’s a lovely horse to look forward to next year at Group level. We’ve had a few problems getting this horse right, and he has the potential to go all the way to the top.
“He could be a Tattersalls Gold Cup horse. He has a lot of pace, and I love this horse. He’s a smashing horse.”
Flavius was completing a treble for trainer and jockey, and Weld added: “It’s been a great day — three lovely winners, and all very important owners.”
McDonogh said of the Khalid Abdullah-owned Flavius: “He’s a real physical specimen — and he was so relaxed all the way, even though it was a bit messy down the back.
“I’d say there is a nice bit of improvement in him. You would have to be delighted with that on just his third run against some seasoned horses.”
