Miss Beatrix showed true grit and determination as she wore down Silca Chave to win the Moyglare Stud Stakes (Ire-I) at The Curragh on Sunday.Miss Beatrix was coming off an impressive third to the highly-regarded Holy Roman Emperor in the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes (Ire-I) two weeks ago. Jockey Willie Supple was content to place his horse at the rear of the 13 horse field, as Diamond Necklace led the fillies through the early stages of the seven-furlong race.As the field turned for home, Silca Chave had gained the lead with just under a furlong left and appeared to be the winner. Miss Beatrix had been making a sustained run on the outside, however, and got up to nail Silca Chave by a short head at the wire.Highly-regarded maiden winner Supposition ran strongly to the wire to finish third, only a length behind the top pair.Kevin Prendergast trains the daughter of Danehill Dancer-Miss Beabea, by Catrail for William Durkan.George Washington Third in Return
George Washington delighted his connections despite managing only a third place finish in the Totesport Celebration Mile (Eng-II) at Goodwood on Sunday. The race was the colt's first start since finishing second to Araafa in the Boylesport Irish Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-I) at the end of May.The high-strung colt, who was well-known for his roguish behavior in prior races, was exceptionally well-behaved beforehand under jockey Mick Kinane. All bad habits were not forgotten, unfortunately, as George Washington 'dwelt' at the starting gate, leaving him several lengths behind at the start.Kinane, who was riding the colt for the first time, was determined to get the son of Danehill to relax near the back of the field during the early stages. Frankie Dettori had Caradak positioned just off pacesetter River Tiber and, as that one gave way, Caradak swept by to score in a photo over Killybegs. George Washington, although a bit rusty, showed his class in finishing third.
Aidan O'Brien stated afterwards, "We couldn't be happier with him. It wasn't about winning today - it was about doing things right - and it was Mick's first time riding him." O'Brien continued, "He tore all of the muscles off from the top of his pelvis down to his hip. You wouldn't dream about asking most horses to come back from that, but he has come back and, hopefully, he will be OK tomorrow. If he is OK, then we can look forward to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-I)."
