Atlantic Coast (left) just gets the better of Bright Stripes© Photo Healy Racing
The Joseph O'Brien-trained Atlantic Coast got up in the final strides to deny Bright Stripes in the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes.
Successful on debut at the Curragh in August and third to Diego Velazquez on Champions Weekend, the winning son of Kodiac finished a place ahead of subsequent Beresford Stakes victor Deepone.
Settled towards rear this afternoon, the 2/1 chance was pushed along in fifth from early in the straight, making good progress on the outer to challenge in second a furlong from home.
Owned by Al Shira'aa Farms, he ultimately kept on best for pressure in the closing stages, prevailing by just a nose under Declan McDonogh.
In first time cheekpieces, Bright Stripes (11/2 from 20s early) lost little in defeat under Billy Lee for Andy Oliver, while Military who was returned the 6/5 favourite, was another five-and-a-half lengths back in third.
"We are after opening up the ground a bit now and I thought he was spinning a bit for the first furlong. I was planning to sit second or third but was happy to come back and let him get comfortable," McDonogh revealed.
"I followed Andy Oliver's horse (Bright Stripes) and it took a while to wear him down. He was never really enjoying the conditions today but his will to win was good.
"I think you'll see this horse in a better light on good to soft summer ground.
"I thought turning in I'd win easy but he hated conditions and was also day-dreaming a bit which is probably a good thing as he'll probably get a bit of distance next year.
"I'd say he'll get a stiff mile and could stay ten furlongs down the line."
STEWARDS REPORTS
D.P. McDonogh, rider of Atlantic Coast, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount leaned left in the straight.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.P. McDonogh, rider of Atlantic Coast, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount was leaning inwards and he used his whip for corrective purposes but on further viewing he accepted he was in breach of the whip Regulation. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that D.P. McDonogh was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for 4 racedays.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
