Evergreen Art powers to another Renaissance win Art Power enhanced his impressive record at the Curragh, as he just held off the fast-finishing King Cuan in the Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Renaissance Stakes. Claiming this Group 3 prize for a third time and registering a fifth win at the Co. Kildare venue, the admirable Tim Easterby-trained eight-year-old made virtually all under David Allan. Finding plenty when ridden from the furlong pole, the 11/2 chance saw his advantage reduced in the closing stages and had just a neck to spare at the line. Coming from off the pace, the aforementioned King Cuan (13/2) didn't get the clearest of runs and ultimately couldn't reel in the winner, while Karl Burke's Spycatcher (9/1) was just half-a-length away in third. Well-supported from 9s early, Vespertilio was eventually returned the 11/4 favourite and she finished a disappointing seventh. "It's taken him a while to get his head back in front, but he has a love affair with the Curragh," Allan reflected. "He ran really well here first time out this year and last time five furlongs is probably too sharp for him nowadays. "He gallops out well - soft ground and six (furlongs) he can run them into the ground and take all the speed out of them. He's as tough as they come even at his age and a very willing partner. "To still have that enthusiasm is a credit to him." STEWARDS REPORT * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Vespertilio (FR), trained by W. McCreery, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
