Cuan crowned king in the Knockaire Stakes King Cuan (5/2) backed up his recent listed success by taking the Bahrain Turf Club Knockaire Stakes (Listed Stakes) over a mile and 100 yards at Leopardstown. Owned by the Red Lily Syndicate, the son of Tasleet has brought his form to a new level in the latter half of this year, as he readily scored in the Concorde Stakes last time out. Billy Lee adopted similar tactics today as he gave this gelding a very patient ride in a race run at a strong tempo. Paddy Twomey's charge started to make his ground once he turned into the straight, and he hit the front inside the final 50 yards. He scored by a cozy half-length from Lewis Carroll (20/1), with long-time leader Iron Fist (16/1) a similar margin back in third. This success proved that he is not reliant on really soft conditions and also that he stays the mile. Victorious trainer Twomey said, "I was never worried about him staying the mile. He's a horse that relaxes and does everything well. He's got fundamental class and I'm delighted with the way he won. We'll keep him in training next year. There is a good programme of races for a horse like him. I told the owners he was going to the sales but he's come out and won every time I've ran him since I said that so we'll keep him." Additional reporting by John O'Riordan.
