Livingston lasts home to claim Beresford

David Livingston stole a march on his rivals to run out a pillar-to-post victor in the Group Two Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.

Seamus Heffernan bounced his mount out in front, in the mile contest, and poached a few lengths from his rivals turning for home.

The market leader closed inside the final furlong as David Livingston tired a little, but half-a-length seperated the pair at the line.

The 7/2 winner had also made a bold bid from the front in the Group One National Stakes here earlier in the month only to be collared in the closing stages.

"He's a hardy horse. It was a good performance on soft ground to lead all the way and he quickened up well," said Aidan O'Brien, who was completing a double on the card.

"He was entitled to get a little bit tired. We're delighted with him - it was tough going out there.

"We'll look at the Racing Post Trophy and the French races but he's raced plenty this year and it's not important if he doesn't run anymore.

"I'd say he'll stay next year and he might be a horse that starts off in the trials. He'll love 1m2f."

Heffernan added:- "I was happy enough to bowl along but it's never ideal to make all the running. I'm delighted with him."

The winner was cut slightly from 25/1 into 20/1 for the Derby by Boylesports while Akeed Mofeed remains unchanged on 14/1.

Gary Carson