Bible Belt thumps the bookmakers

Bookmakers were reeling after Bible Belt became the third winning favourite in-a-row at the Curragh when taking the Group 3 Dance Design Stakes with Fran Berry in the saddle.

The 15/8 shot made good headway to hit the front a furlong out and had too much in the tank for Wild Wind (5/1) who was length and a quarter down at the winning post.

Successful trainer Jessica Harrington made reference to the difficulties her three-year-old filly encountered in the race. She said: “Fran said things were happening a bit quick for her early on and she was off it (bridle).

“Once Fran got into position he got stopped a couple of times. Once she got out he gave her two slaps and the race was over. She quickened up and did everything right.

“She probably wants a mile and a quarter. She’s in a whole lot of races and we’ll see where we go next. That’s only her third run of the year so we could have a nice autumn campaign with her.

“She’ll go with a bit of cut in the ground. The Blandford Stakes looks like the next step.”

Aidan O’Brien’s Look At Me took third at 20/1, ridden by Willie Supple.

Michael Graham