Irish eyes smiling as Black Forza reels in Richmond favourite

The Strikin Viking looked the likely winner only to be caught close home.

A fast-finishing Black Forza upset favourite The Strikin Viking to land the Markel Richmond Stakes for Irish handler Michael O’Callaghan.

Much of the pre-race talk was about Wathnan Racing’s new purchase The Strikin Viking, who went off as the 11-10 market leader, and he was soon in charge of proceedings of the six-furlong contest.

Despite an early challenge from Tropical Storm, trainer Hamad Al Jehani looked on course for his first ever British turf winner at the final furlong marker when The Strikin Viking moved clear in front.

At the this point, Black Forza was off the bridle near the rear and not in consideration before he clicked into top gear and made his move under Dylan Browne McMonagle.

The son of Complexity motored down the inside to cruise past six rivals with only the leader ahead, who he overtook in the closing stages to win at 9-1 by half a length.

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