Mecca's Angel soars to victory

English-raider Mecca's Angel was a cut above her five rivals in the Group Two Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh in powering home by

The Michael Dods-trained mare pinged out of stall one to race in second just off Gracious John in this five furlong dash.

Paul Mulrennan drove the 5/4 favourite past that opponent with less than two furlongs to travel and the five-year-old accelerated away in the final furlong for a comprehensive victory. Brando came through for second at 9/4.

“It was just a bit of a disaster in Ascot where she was in season,” handler Michael Dods said.

“We weren't sure at the time and checked everything but couldn't find anything wrong. She had three weeks off and is back cantering 12 days.

“There were two things in Ascot. She was in season, which she doesn't show, plus the ground.

“Everyone thinks she wants it bottomless but that is her ground. I walked the track with Paul Mulrennan and we said it was beautiful, on the easy side of good.

“That was the ground she had in Longchamp and when she won the Nunthorpe.

“I told Paul to take a lead and he said she ran on strongly to the line.

“You're always worried after Ascot that there is something you don't know but she showed her ability today, though it wasn't the strongest field for her.

“She doesn't want it firm and easy good is perfect. York will be next but it's just nice to get her back today.

“I would have been happy if she had finished second today but run her race. Everyone has worked so hard to get her back as Ascot was only just over a month ago and she finished right out the back then.”

Paul Mulrennan said: "We were really happy with her. She just proved again today how good she really is. Ascot was just a blip. She is right back to her best and Michael has done a great job getting her back and roll on the Nunthorpe. She'sa tough old girl, you'd want her as a Mrs!"

Mecca's Angel finished 16th in the Group One King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

She won last year's Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York and was cut from 7/1 to 7/2 by Paddy Power for this year's renewal.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson