Mattmu bags Group 3 sprint in a thriller

David Allan partnered his first Irish winner as Mattmu came out best in a rousing finish to the Qater Racing & Equestrian Club Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh.

The six-furlong Group 3 event developed into a tremendous tussle between the Tim Easterby-trained Mattmu and Toscanini who were both prominent throughout.

The pair came close inside the final furlong and, after a little deliberation by the judge, the verdict was eventually a short-head in favour of the 3/1 second favourite. Fort Del Oro stayed on a further two lengths back in third, while 6/4 favourite Anthem Alexander could find no extra from a furlong out to finish fourth.

Allan said, "He's only been out of the first three once and that was down to the ground as it was very loose. He's as hard as nails."