Collins Street reels in wayward stablemate to stay unbeaten

The Donate To The Coast To Curragh Charity Cycle In Honour Of Pat Smullen Race produced a one-two for trainer Joseph O’Brien with the 5/6 favourite Collins Street getting up close home to gain an unlikely victory.

Stable companion Max Mayhem had made the running and looked set to score when still a couple of lengths in front entering the final furlong, with the winner under pressure at that stage and not making any impression.

When Mikey Sheehy switched his whip to his left hand on the leader, though, the picture changed as Max Mayhem veered right and then went the other way when Sheehy brought it back to his right hand to try and correct his errant partner.

With the leader losing vital momentum, Collins Street, despite initially being slightly impeded, responded to Declan McDonogh’s urgings and got up in the final strides to win by a head.

First home in a barrier trial in June, the Camelot colt was backing up a debut maiden win at Leopardstown earlier this month.

Brendan Powell, assistant to winning trainer Joseph O’Brien, said: “I know Joseph always thought he was a really nice horse. He’s still a baby.

“You could say the other horse has thrown it away but Declan said it’s hampered him a little bit but once he’s picked him up he’s galloped all the way to the line. He said another furlong or two would make no difference to him.

“He’s still a big baby and is a very nice horse for the future.

“It’s great for Declan and Joseph to win Pat’s race.”

Quotes from Alan Magee