Duntle, left, gets the better of Ballybacka Lady © Photo Healy Racing
Royal Ascot winner Duntle who has always had a big reputation since her incredible 18-length win at Dundalk, continued her upward curve when winning the featured Group 3 Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown.
She always looked like wearing down long-time leader Ballybacka Lady and did so in the last half furlong to score by three parts of a length on ground that was less than ideal.
Wayne Lordan said of the Listed Sandringham Handicap winner: “She travelled well. Although the ground is not ideal early on it’s a bit better from the two furlong marker to the line.
“She’s done it ok, but will prefer better ground. Her heart is in the right place.”
Duntle was punted from 7/2 this morning and was returned at 5/2 second favourite. Hat-trick seeking Takar was sent off 9/4 favourite, but ran no race and trailed in last of the eight runners. Afterwards it was reported that he was struck into during the race.
Second Placed Ballybacka Lady ran a brave race at 14/1 for Jessica Harrington and Fran Berry until being collared late on. Requisition took third for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien at 5/1.
The winner gave David Wachman and Wayne Lordan a double after Galileo Rock s success in the previous race.
This was in-form Wachman's sixth winner from his last 20 runners and Lordan's seventh winner from his last 30 rides.
(on course reporting by Alan Magee)
