Zahrann could be Champion material after Royal Whip success Zahrann booked his ticket for the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes in Leopardstown next month when taking the Newbridge Silverware Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon. The Johnny Murtagh-trained colt looked in some trouble when short of room two furlongs from home before getting a gap as stablemate Tangapour edged left away from the rail. Ben Coen’s mount quickened up when getting his opportunity and got on top inside the final 150 yards to beat his stable companion by two lengths. Galen was half a length further back in third with 4/7 favourite Los Angeles only managing fourth. Murtagh said, “We wanted to see where we stood today. Ben went the brave man’s route today, got the gap and he quickened up. “I haven’t spoken to anybody yet but hopefully we’ll be able to go for the Irish Champion. Today was the test. “It looked in Ascot like he was a little bit slow, but I think a strong mile and a quarter should suit him around Leopardstown. He has to improve again but he might. “He’s a very relaxed horse that doesn’t show much at home and is learning on the job. He’s a typical Aga Khan horse and reminds me a bit of Sinndar that when he clicks into gear someday, he might realise how good he is. “He’s still underdeveloped, and I think he could be a really nice four-year-old.”
