Vinnie Roe Lands Record Third Irish St. Leger

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Michael Watts and Jim Sheridan's Vinnie Roe made history at The Curragh Saturday when the classy 5-year-old won his third consecutive Irish Field St. Leger (Ire-I).

The victory in the 1 3/4-mile Irish St. Leger had trainer Dermot Weld thinking about the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) afterward.

"We will have to look at all the options but I'd imagine that the Arc is more likely for him than another crack at the Melbourne Cup," Weld told the Racing Post. "I entered Vinnie Roe this morning for the Canadian International at Woodbine (Oct. 19) but the Arc is very much on the agenda. I'll speak to his owners before a final decision is made."

The 2-1 second favorite, ridden by Pat Smullen, tallied by one length over Gamut. He became the first horse to win the race three times since it became open to all ages in 1983. Powerscourt missed the second spot by a short head. Favored Bollin Eric was fourth. The time was 2:58.9 on course rated good to firm.

Weld said the best may still be ahead for the Irish-bred son of Definite Article.

"I always felt that Vinnie Roe might prove himself better than ever this year," he said. "Melbourne last year was very tough on him and giving him plenty of time to recover from the ordeal has paid dividends today. I really believe there is more to come from this horse."

Vinnie Roe, close up in the six-horse field while tracking in third most of the way, collared the front-running Gamut more than a furlong from home and was in control while winning fairly comfortably.

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