Rifles hits the target at Curragh

Another Irish sprint prize went for export when Eton Rifles ran out a game winner of the Waterford Testimonial Stakes at the Curragh.

David Elsworth's charge proved too strong for the home team as he claimed the six-furlong Listed contest.

Johnny Murtagh tracked the leaders, on the 5/4 favourite, before sending his mount to the front at the two furlong pole.

The Pivotal gelding stayed on well in the closing stages to hold Seeharn by three-parts of a length.

"He's a horse that like to get his toe in and they had plenty of rain here last week," said Elsworth afterwards.

"He's run four times for me and run with great credit every time. He's still open to improvement and that's not the ceiling of his ability.

"He's just thriving at the moment. This looked a race that he had a good chance in.

"He's in the sales and some lucky fella is going to buy him at Newmarket. The owner Graham Wylie doesn't have the same interest in the Flat as the jumps.

"I was very privileged to be given the job of training him and he's been very kind to me."

Gary Carson