Port Douglas and Emmet McNamara (left) beats True Solitaire and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
The 2008 champion apprentice Emmet McNamara achieved the biggest win of his career as Aidan O'Brien (now the winning-most trainer in the race's history) brought up a hat-trick at the Curragh with the success of the first-time blinkered Port Douglas (14/1) in the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes.
This was a commendable effort on the part of the victorious Galileo colt as himself and True Solitaire duelled up front from an early stage of this mile event.
Port Douglas' stable companion, Unicorn (11/4) disappointed with his seventh place finish, but the other Ballydoyle hope Beacon Rock (Ryan Moore on the 9/4 joint favourite) can be counted a bit unlucky.
He didn't quite get the run of the race but kept on well to press the leaders close home. He still had a short head and a neck to find with Port Douglas and True Solitaire.
The result was confirmed after a steward's enquiry.
"He's a tough horse and was a bit lazy last time so we put the blinkers on to keep him awake. He could go for the Racing Post Trophy, and is a typical middle distance horse. They went a good gallop," reflected O'Brien.
"Beacon Rock ran well. He was a bit green but came home well while I'd say Unicorn is a bit weak and will be a better horse next year."
The earlier O'Brien winners were Hit It A Bomb (2.20, Ryan Moore) and Coolmore (2.50, Joseph O'Brien).
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Port Douglas, ridden by E.J. McNamara, placed first and True Solitaire, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second, where it appeared interference had taken place.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.
(AM & EM)
