Fastnet Crown lands a good pot

Fastnet Crown mugged McTigue to take the mile premier handicap at the Curragh for Michael O'Callaghan and Leigh Roche.

He was trapped out wide towards the rear of this big field, but was ridden to make headway a furlong and a half down.

The five-year-old gelding, in a new combination of tongue-strap and cheekpieces, moved into contention racing into the final furlong and flew home to grab McTigue.

He got up in the final strides and scored by a neck at 13/2. McTigue went off at 20/1 and was a length and a half clear of Star Harbour (14/1). No More Porter the 10/3 favourite, gave his backers a place return in fourth.

O'Callaghan said: "I’m delighted for Michael (Smith, owner) who also bred him and he bred I Am Superman who also did well for us.

“This horse ran very well in Royal Ascot last week (10th in the Buckingham Palace Stakes)and, to be fair to Michael, he said go on and take your chance in the Curragh.

“He’s been knocking on the door to win one of these big handicaps and he’s gone and won well today. There was a good strong gallop and that’s what suits him.

“He might win another one if the handicapper is not too hard on him.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee