Search For A Song powers to Irish Leger repeat
Filly caps memorable day for Dermot Weld.
Search For A Song landed back-to-back renewals of the Comer Group International Irish St Leger at the Curragh, as former champion apprentice Oisin Orr won the biggest race of his career. It was a different story to 12 months ago, as while Search For A Song was in front a mile out on that occasion under Chris Hayes, this time Orr had her switched off and was the last to challenge deep inside the final furlong. Andrea Atzeni must have felt confident as he hit the front on Roger Varian’s Ebor winner Fujaira Prince, with everything else seemingly in trouble. Orr had yet to fully ask for everything on the filly, though, who had not won since her famous success last year, although she had run an eyecatching race when not beaten far by Magical in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in July. When her stamina began to kick in close home, it seemed inevitable that the 7-1 chance would get up and in the end she was a comfortable winner. It capped a memorable day for Dermot Weld, who also took the Prix Vermeille with Tarnawa in Paris. Weld, who trained the last back-to-back Leger winner in Vinnie Roe, said: “It’s been a special day, especially when you win your ninth St Leger. “I had one horse win four back-to-back (Vinnie Roe), Vintage Crop won it twice and now she has, too. “I’d trained her for the day for a long time, I also wanted to get that Group One over a mile and a quarter (black type) into her so people didn’t think she was just a staying mare. “You saw what the filly that beat her, Magical, did (in the Irish Champion Stakes) so I was quietly confident she’d win today.” He went on: “I thought it was a lovely ride from Oisin Orr, he’s only 23 the other day but he switched her off beautifully and I was confident turning for home that we’d win. “He gets horses to relax very well. I need to be very fair to Chris Hayes as he rode her beautifully last year too, they all have their own talents. I don’t really have a number one but Oisin rides most of them, I do accept that. I think he has wonderful hands and he fills horses with confidence. “When you win the Vermeille and the Leger on the same day with two fillies when you train 100 horses, which is a great number in Ireland these days – yes you still get a big kick.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ballyburn secures record-breaking win for Willie Mullins
Trainer sets another new mark with 4,378th career success.
-
State Man seals perfect season with Punchestown glory
Willie Mullins’ charge sees off Irish Point in the Boodles Champion Hurdle.
-
Brides Hill strolls to Punchestown victory
Gavin Cromwell’s mare registers 21-length verdict in Grade Two company.
-
Outbox springs 50-1 surprise in Jockey Club prize
Veteran performer strikes Group Two gold at Newmarket.
-
Boiling Point too hot for Newmarket rivals
Royal Ascot next on the agenda for Roger Varian’s charge.
-
O’Brien and City Of Troy all set for Classic day of reckoning
All the work has been done – now the big day has come for unbeaten Guineas favourite.
-
Beautiful Diamond aiming to sparkle in Palace House
Connections believe filly can make her mark over five furlongs this term.
-
Caviar hits Newmarket Heights for Karl Burke
Listed winner now 33-1 for the Derby after impressive outing.
-
Rosallion ready to rumble after winter of content
‘I know he’s the best in the yard… we’ll find out on Saturday if he’s the best in the race’.
-
Lossiemouth poised for starring role on final day of Punchestown
Magnificent grey mare can complete unbeaten campaign.