Foley & Murphy take the Cesarewitch with Brazos

Brazos scooped the biggest prize of all at Navan this afternoon, as he took the feature Irish Cesarewitch under Shane Foley for John Murphy and owner Thomas Keithley.

Successful in the Kingdom Gold Cup at Killarney in August, the son of Rock Of Gibraltar since finished a staying on third on his most recent outing at Listowel.

Sent off a 16/1 chance (from 20s), the four-year-old victor was settled behind the leaders by Foley, and was fifth with six furlongs left to race.

He came with his challenge from the two furlong pole, and was soon ridden to the front, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a quarter. Davids Charm (12s to 10s on-course), who hit the front over two furlongs out, had to settle for second under Rory Cleary for John Joe Walsh, while Mr Everest (16/1) finished well to take third, another length back under Sean Davis. Nessun Dorma (12/1) was the best of the Willie Mullins seven in fourth, while his 5/1 joint-favourites Exchange Rate and Pleasure Dome (from 8s) were fifth and eighth respectively.

Foley said afterwards: "I've always liked him from when he won his maiden. He beat Exchange Rate in Killarney and I couldn't believe how much a difference there was in their prices today.

"He's relished the trip and the ground, and he worked like a good horse the other morning. He wears the blinkers but they're only on as he's just bone idle. I'd a lovely trip around and he's won well.

"John knows when he has one. The horses have been running a bit in and out but he said to me this morning that this lad is absolutely flying."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards enquired into an incident midway through this race involving Cliffs Of Dooneen ridden by D. O'Brien and Like An Open Book ridden by Julie Burke, where it appeared that Cliffs of Doneen slipped independently and thereafter caused Like an Open Book to unseat her rider. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee