Gordon Lord Byron leaves it late

Gordon Lord Byron finally wore down front-runner Ansgar as the post loomed in the Group 3 Desmond Stakes over a mile at Leopardstown.

Racegoers were deprived of the chance to see the exciting Darwin in this contest as the going was changed to good, good to yielding in places after the third race. Elleval was also taken out for this reason and Bold Thady Quill missed the race due to an over-reach.

This left seven to go to post. Ansgar the 25/1 rank outsider set out to make all and inside the final furlong looked to have the 39,000 euro spoils at his mercy.

However, Johnny Murtagh was stoking up 4/9 favourite Gordon Lord Byron in the middle and the Group 1 winner hit his straps in the last 100 yards to nail Ansgar by a neck. Leitir Mor was also flying down the outside at the death to finish third, beaten a neck and a short head at 7/1.

Trainer Tom Hogan said: “I’m delighted he won. He ground it out. His best form has been on fast ground. Maybe that’s not as good as the form he showed in France, but I’m happy with him. He's best on fast ground. The ground has gone a bit there.

“It’s a nice race to win. The Desmond is one of the old traditional races. Johnny gave him a good ride. It’s nice to get his head in front again.

“He has lots of options. He will stay a mile, he’s proved that there. He might go back for the Hong Kong Mile and the Breeders Cup is an option. He's in the Haydock Sprint and he could go for the Park Stakes. He'll be entered in the [Prix de la] Foret.

"He's a good sound horse and has a great constitution. He's our Sea Biscuit!"

Paddy Power left Gordon Lord Byron unchanged at 10/1 for the Haydock Sprint Cup.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson