Pace-makers given too much rope in Mooresbridge

The pace-makers in the Group 3 European Breeders Fund Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh were given too much lee-way with the result being a 66/1 success for Ballydoyle third string Windsor Palace

From a long way it looked ominous for those that had invested in either of the market principals, St Nicholas Abbey and Sharestan

In the final quarter mile Johnny Murtagh asked Sharestan to go in pursuit of Robin Hood and Windsor Palace. At that stage Joseph O'Brien on St Nicholas Abbey, pulled in behind Sharestan presumably to get a 'tow' to the leaders.

From the furlong pole Sharestan wasn't going to get there and when St Nicholas Abbey reached full stride inside the last it was too late as he failed by a length to get to Windsor Palace.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Windsor Palace, St Nicholas Abbey and indeed fourth home Robin Hood, said: "He (Windsor Palace) had a good run here the last day (third behind Excelebration) and he's a soft ground horse.

"We knew St Nicholas Abbey wasn't a heavy ground horse, everyone knows that. Joseph just let him find himself there and it was his first run back after Dubai."

Unlike those that invested at odds of 2/5 or the countless investors that would have 'banked' on the apparent 'good-thing,' O'Brien expressed satisfaction with St Nicholas Abbey's run, saying: "He ran a lovely race and we're delighted with him.

"The Coronation Cup (a race he won last year) will be next for him." (TW & EM)