Magniffico wins a three-way thrust for line

Magniffico (7/2) held on to win a thrilling renewal of the six-furlong nursery at the Curragh.

Ben Coen 's mount was strongly pressed on both sides by Keel Bay and Mumayaz in the closing stages but gamely stuck to his task to prevail by a nose.

Mumayaz (11/2) came home well on the rail but just failed to get up. Keel Bay was just a head back in third at 20/1 from 33/1.

Trainer Johnny Murtagh said: “That was tight! He’s a professional little horse - very straightforward.

“Ben said the ground was just on the quick side for him and he might appreciate a little bit more ease in the ground.

“He’s a horse that will improve with racing and he’ll learn how to sprint a bit better.

“I’m delighted for Fitzwilliam. It’s been a quite time for them this year but they always seem to have a bit of luck here at the Curragh.”

Magniffico had been unplaced in his first three outings before improving to take second over course and distance last month.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee