Go Bears Go wins under Rossa Ryan© Photo Healy Racing
Go Bears Go repaid the bold decision of his connections to supplement for the GAIN Railway Stakes with a striking success at the Curragh.
Narrowly beaten in last week’s Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot when drawn on the opposite side to winner Perfect Power, he handled the extra furlong with aplomb.
Just nine days after that effort, and with a journey to Ireland thrown in, Go Bears Go showed bright early speed before his jockey Rossa Ryan was content to take a lead off Frankie Dettori on The Acropolis
With two furlongs to run there were only two jockeys not asking their mounts for everything, Ryan on the eventual winner and Chris Hayes on Fozzy Stack’s Castle Star who had been dropped out last in the early stages.
While Castle Star was able to go by all his other rivals, he could not reel in Go Bears Go and his chance eventually evaporated when he began to drift to his right.
Go Bears Go (17-2) kept straight and true, though, and for his upwardly-mobile trainer David Loughnane — who broke his Ascot duck last week — it represented the biggest win of his fledgling career.
It was a similar sentiment for Ryan, who only returned on Friday after recovering from a broken collar bone and an appendicitis operation.
Betfair introduced the winner into their 2000 Guineas betting at 33-1.
“He ran a super race in the Norfolk — he was just the wrong side. We were so positive that he’d stay six furlongs,” said Ryan.
“It was a big toss-up before Ascot between the Norfolk and the Coventry. Dave took a massive risk coming here a week later. We’re glad it’s paid off.
“He’s a top-class sprinter in the making I think. He’s got the best attitude being by Kodi Bear.
“A big up to Robson Aguiar (bloodstock agent) and his team, who did prep this lad for the breeze-ups, and they prep a good few of our yearlings. They did a fantastic job with him.
“To Dave Loughnane and all his team, they’ve been rock solid. I have the easy job of steering them and I can only say thanks to everybody.
“I had a hard month. Everybody at Oaksey House got me through it.
“I have to give a massive thanks to my boss Kia (Joorabchian) and everyone at Amo Racing because they had the faith in me to get back on these on such a big weekend and do it.”
S. Foley, rider of Albion Square (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount boiled over going to the start.
S.M. Crosse, rider of Andreas Vesalius trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got a little tight for room inside the last furlong.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Castle Star trained by J.A.Stack, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount rolled right in the last furlong.
The Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final furlong involving Andreas Vesalius, ridden by S.M. Crosse, placed sixth, Castle Star, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed second and Dr Zempf (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fourth, where it appeared Dr Zempf had to check for a stride. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S.M. Crosse stated that he felt some pressure from his inside but it didn't affect his finishing place. C.D. Hayes stated that he was going for a gap when his mount leaned right under pressure. C.T. Keane stated that his horse was running a touch green when going for a gap but it made no difference to his placing. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.
