Causeway defies topweight to land Madrid Handicap for O'Brien The Aidan O'Brien trained Causeway defied topweight when running out a game winner of the Irish Racing Writers Association Madrid Handicap at Naas. Sent to post 13/8f under Ryan Moore, the Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Mrs John Magnier owned colt had to be pushed along from stalls to gain a prominent early position. Tracking the leaders into the straight, the son of Wootton Bassett came through to head Flanker Jet over a furlong from home. However, he then had to show plenty of heart to hold off the late challenge of Controlled, which he did by a head. “He was tough and he learned a lot,” said O’Brien. “He took a run last year, he was a little bit lazy. He’ll obviously stay a lot further. Ryan was good on him. “I think he’ll be very comfortable going a mile and could get further. “He’s brave, he stuck his head out. “He can go into a winners’ race now and we’ll go gentle with him and let him mature away. “We’ll see how he progresses, there are other horses there for the classics at the moment.” Paddy Power left Causeway unchanged at 33/1 for the 2000 Guineas.
