Sent off at 10-1, Beckett stalked the early leaders before moving to the lead with just over a furlong to run en route to the victory. Betting favorite Darwin was reported to be "lame behind" following the race, Sporting Life reports.
Beckett, a 2-year-old colt owned by Mrs. John Magnier, rebounded from a third-place finish in the King of Kings E.B.F. Futurity Stakes (Ie-III), winning the Aga Khan's Studs National Stakes (Ire-I) by three lengths Sunday at the Curragh. Magnier also owns third-place finisher March King, while Michael Tabor's King's County finished second. Down the Woods came home fourth, followed by Berlin, Darwin, American Gothic, Bonnard, and Elbader.Seamus Heffernan rode the winner, who completed the seven furlongs in 1:29 4/5 over yielding turf. Beckett's trainer Aidan O'Brien saddled five of the eight winners at the Curragh on Sunday, according to Sporting Life. Beckett (Fairy King--Groom Order, by Groom Dancer) was bred in Ireland by Ballygallon Stud and has won two of three career races.
