Vinnie Roe confirmed trainer Dermot Weld's view that he is getting better with age when recording an historic third Irish Field St Leger victory at the Curragh on Saturday.
The five-year-old registered his easiest St Leger win by quickening clear of the front-running Gamut inside the final quarter mile, and rider Pat Smullen could afford to salute the cheers of the 7,542 crowd to score by a length. Powerscourt was a short-head back in third, with 15/8 favourite Bollin Eric a further three-quarters of a length away in fourth.
Weld is no stranger to big race success but this record-breaking win will hold a special place in his world-wide roll of achievement, and he paid tribute to his charge afterwards saying, 'He's a true professional, and a magnificent horse to train. He's so genuine and brave, and gives you everything.'
He added, 'The Arc de Triomphe is now a definite possibility, although I would not rule out the Melbourne Cup as he could go into quarantine the night of the Arc. However the Arc is more likely. My only concern today was that I could have had him sharper and a kilo or two lighter.' Cashmans left Vinnie Roe unchanged at 33/1 for the Arc.
Bollin Eric's connections, Tim Easterby and Kevin Darley, were on the mark later on in the Group 3 Ridgewood Pearl Stakes when Fayr Jag finished strongly on the stands rail to touch off Hanabad by a head. 'He likes fast ground, and may go now for the Diadem Stakes at Ascot,' said Easterby.
John Murtagh was left red-faced at the start of the sprint handicap when his mount Glocca Morra left the stalls without the former champion. The 9/4 favourite got upset when loading, and threw his head down just before the off causing Murtagh to lose the reins.
Victory here went to the Tommy Stack-trained Serov who got the better of British raider Little Edward in the final 50 yards to score by the minimum margin under Wayne Lordan. 'He's gained all four of his wins here over five furlongs, and will either run at Listowel on Friday or back here next Sunday,' said Stack's son James.
Murtagh enjoyed better fortune elsewhere on the afternoon with a double in the two-year-old races aboard Prince Monalulu and newcomer Treasure The Lady. Prince Monalulu made virtually all and kept on strongly to beat Desert Grass by two and a half lengths, and trainer Eddie Lynam said, 'He did it well, is a beautifully bred colt and will now go for the Foal Levy Stakes here next Sunday or a Listed race at Tipperary next month.'
Treasure The Lady was prominent throughout in the seven furlongs fillies event, and stayed on well to beat Poetical by three quarters of a length.
Tramore trainer Paul Roche saddled a notable 1-2 in the mile handicap, with the Kieren Fallon-ridden Huxley drawing clear in the final furlong to beat Sheer Tenby by two lengths.
Alan Magee
