Russian Soul (right) is driven out by Shane Foley with eventual third Farmleigh House alongside© Photo Healy Racing
Russian Soul came out on top in what was a thrilling finish to the Group 3 Newbridge Grassroots Festival Renaissance Stakes.
The Mick Halford trained gelding was involved in a four-way photo-finish, just prevailing by a nose, and two short heads.
Ridden by Shane Foley, the 7/1 shot was prominent throughout on the rail, and he stayed on well under pressure in the final furlong to be just in front on the line.
UK raider Artistic Jewel for Ed McMahon and Sean Levey, was well-supported on-course, going from 5/1 to 7/2 favourite, however the gamble just failed by the minimum margin, as the chestnut filly had to settle for second. Farmleigh House ran a cracker to finished third at 20/1 under Niall McCullagh for Willie Martin, while Scream Blue Murder was another short-head back in fourth under Frankie Dettori for Tommy Stack at 14/1.
The winning five-year-old son of Invincible Spirit was recording his first Group 3 success, adding to his other win this season in Listed company at Tipperary in August.
Mick Halford said afterwards: "Shane said he stuck his neck out and he really grinded it out.
"Having the rail was definitely a help and he really deserved it. As sprinters go he is a model of consistency and he gives his best every day.
"Leonardo at home has done a wonderful job with him. He rides him all the time and he has really made a horse of him.
"We will give him a break now to freshen him up and he’ll go back to Dubai."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
