Ancient Spirit thriving for Harrington

Jessica Harrington's Ancient Spirit defied joint top-weight in the Listed Celebration Stakes at the Curragh, by staying on best over a mile.

He took closer order in second behind Inhale after three furlongs and had the leader in his sights at halfway.

Shane Foley asked Ancient Spirit to go after Inhale turning into the straight and he got onto the leader's tail with a furlong to go.

Ancient Spirit was ridden into a narrow lead in the final 150 yards and proved strongest at the finish.

He delivered by a length at 10/3 from 5/2 favourite Bowerman who got up for second. Could Be King rounded out the places at 33/1.

Ancient Spirit was following up on a Listed victory over the same trip in Navan earlier in the month.

Assistant trainer Kate Harrington said: “It’s nice to see him back up his win in Navan. He’s a lovely horse and is growing in confidence getting his head in front.

“He didn’t get things his own way today and had to go after the horse in front. When he’s got there Shane said he did it easy enough.

“He’s got a few entries in the Meld and the Tattersalls Gold Cup. Mum will talk with the owners and see where they want to go. We’ll go baby steps with him as he’s really only starting to get his confidence.

“The form of the Navan race is working out well with Buckhurst winning earlier. He was in the Alleged as well but Shane wanted to go a mile with him. He is learning to settle better.”

Irish Lincoln winner Bowerman took plenty of credit from his runner-up berth in this step up in class.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee