Grandee gets better and better

Fourth in the leading Flat trainer's table Jessica Harrington moved on to the 20 winner mark for the campaign when Grandee battled it out tenaciously to win the Listed King George V Cup at Leopardstown.

Under Colm O'Donoghue the 7/2 shot soon led but he was pushed along and was headed briefly from the two pole by Finn McCool

Under pressure the Mill House LLC-owned Grandee led again over a furlong out, staying on well inside the final furlong to beat favourite Eziyra by two and a quarter lengths.

"I'm delighted with him. Nick Brady, of Mill House Stud, has run three horses this year and they've all won Listed races. He owns Khukri, Brother Bear and him," said Mrs Harrington.

"He's in the Queen's Vase but as far as I know he won't go to Ascot. We'll make a decision after this.

"He's in things like the Curragh Cup but I don't have him in the Leger because he didn't look like that sort of horse last year.

"I'm delighted with him. He actually got headed and battled back. The further he went the further he was going away.

"He'd love it if he could get a lead, it would make a big difference.

"He seemed to handle that ground fine and it was pretty quick when he ran in Navan. He's just done very well physically lately."

(GC & EM)