Seahorse sets sail for impressive win

HMS Seahorse streaked clear in the closing stages to run out a very impressive winner of the 'Ragusa' Handicap at the Curragh for trainer Paul Nolan. Dame Rapide and Effernock Fizz duelled for the lead in the mile-and-a-half contest before HMS Seahorse came to take it off the former with two furlongs to run.

The Galileo colt soon opened up, under Chris Hayes, stretching away in the closing stages for an easy six-and-a-half length success at odds of 13/2.

“That happens in those conditions, when it softens like that, some handle it and some don't,” said the trainer's brother James Nolan afterwards.

“He's a right little horse. John Halley bought him out of Ballydoyle and he's a good pal of ours. We bought him after he schooled here around the eight. We liked him and we're delighted to get him.

“He was only beaten a few lengths in the Boodles and was third in the Grade 1 at Punchestown.

“I'd say the Galway Hurdle will maybe be next now. He fits that bill and Chris said he could maybe come back here for the Irish Cesarewitch.”