Septimus Superb in Irish St. Leger
by Mary Schweitzer
Date Posted: 9/13/2008 8:58:29 PM
Last Updated: 9/16/2008 1:07:06 PM

Septimus powered his way to a 13-length victory in the Irish Field St. Leger (Ire-I), enabling trainer Aidan O’Brien to sweep all five Irish classic races this season.  In doing so, O’Brien became the first trainer in 73 years to accomplish such a feat.

Septimus, made the heavy favorite in the field of nine, was content to race in third behind his stablemates, Mikhail Fokine and New Zealand.  Jockey Seamus Heffernan kept Septimus galloping along easily, and the duo took command with just under three furlongs to run.

Septimus began to draw off, demolishing the field by 13 lengths to give O’Brien his 19th group I victory of the season.  New Zealand held on for second by a short head over Red Moloney.

Final time for the 1 3/4-miles was 3:11.97 over the soft to heavy going.

Anne-Marie O’Brien, who substituted for her husband while he was at Doncaster, told the press, “I’m so happy for everyone associated with Ballydoyle, and we’ve been so lucky that the horses have stayed sound.  Septimus got his opportunity today and I’m really thrilled.”

Septimus is a 5-year-old bay horse by Sadler’s Wells out of Caladira, by Darshaan.  He was bred in Ireland by Barrowsdale Stud and Orpendale, and races for the partnership of Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier, and Michael Tabor.

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