Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore completed a treble on today's card when Washington DC led home a one-two for Ballydoyle in the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh.
Moore held the 11/4 favourite up in the six-furlong contest before coming with a storming run inside the final furlong.
The Zoffany colt got on top in the closing stages to post a half length success over stable-mate Cougar Mountain
Veteran Gordon Lord Byron ran with plenty of credit again to finish another half length back in third.
“He has a load of ability. He has loads of speed for five but it's just a little bit had to produce him over five,” said O'Brien.
“Over six he has a little bit more time to produce him and wangle him through. He just doesn't want to be in front very long.
“He's the type of horse we'll have to turn up (everywhere) as he can be unlucky in a race. He loves coming through horse. I wouldn't be ruling York out or Haydock after that.”
On the runner-up he added:- “Donnacha said to go back to six with the horse as you're stretching him out too much.
“He had some very good runs over six and was only beaten two-and-a-half lengths in the July Cup on only his second run.
“He has plenty of speed and is another horse that things just have to fall for him. If we could go back to that it would be a lot easier for him.”
