Hughes times it just right on Duca

Former Irish champion jockey Johnny Murtagh provided current British champion Richard Hughes with a winner as Duca Valentinois landed the Hanlon Concrete Handicap at the Curragh.

In a terrific three-way photo-finish, Hughes got the 8/1 chance (14/1 this morning) up to beat Cradle Mountain by a neck, with Hot Sauce just a nose away in third. Fact Or Folklore completed the placings in fourth.

A stewards enquiry was called (not involving the winner) into possible interference inside the final furlong as Xebec and Marshall Jennings were both badly hampered.

The placings remained unaltered but Connor King, rider of Hot Sauce, picked up a three-day suspension for careless riding.

Ryan Moore reported that his mount King Of Aragon (finished 16th) was tight for room and forced to check in the early stages.

Murtagh said, "He was a bit unlucky last time and Caroline was a bit disappointed in Killarney but I suppose it helped him today as he had no penalty.

"When I was looking at this race and how competitive it was I was a little apprehensive but since Killarney he's come forward all the time.

"He's probably just maturing. He was a bit raw last year and we gelded him over the winter. He's probably not too bad.

"Today was the day really. Richard said that seems a good trip for him. He was a little keen early and it took him a bit of time to get going but he hit the line well. He said he was always getting here from a furlong-and-a-half down."

Hughes said, "He did it well. Johnny said to find all the trouble you can and get him there late."

(GC & AM)