Kingsfort signs off with National success

Connections will pack Kingsfort away for the year dreaming of classic glory after the colt landed the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh today.

Kevin Prendergast's charge proved a game winner of the Group 1 when repelling the challenge of Chabal by a neck to claim the €250,000 contest.

Declan McDonogh sent his mount to the front at the furlong pole but he had to battle to see off Chabal, who chased him home.

Even-money favourite Alfred Noble proved a major disapppointment, failing to quicken when switched wide at the furlong pole and dropping away to finish last.

The winner was propelled to the head of the betting for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket next year with Boylesports cutting him from 14/1 to 10/1. Chabal is now 14/1 from 20/1.

"That's very good. He cost €36,000 at the Goffs Sportsman Sale and I bought the filly (Termagant) at the same sale an hour within each other," revealed Prendergast afterwards.

"I was going to give him a break after his first run but he got sick and enforced the break himself.

"He had a virus and his leg filled up. We were very worried for four or five days but it cleared up and he hasn't looked back since.

"This was the plan and he's done his bit for the year. He's a big, tall, lanky horse and he should improve over the winter. We'll be able to dream over the winter."

McDonogh added: "We have always liked him and he is the best horse I have ridden for Kevin Prendergast, that's for sure.

"They didn't go very quick for the first two furlongs but he was just asleep, as all the best ones tend to do."