St George shortens for St Leger glory

Order Of St George justified strong market support to win the Group 3 Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger Trial Stakes at the Curragh today, providing Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien and retained jockey Seamie Heffernan with a Group 3 double on the day.

The three year old son of Galileo quickened up to lead a furlong and a half from home and in the end scooted home for an impressive seven and a half lengths win over Australian import Sea Moon

O'Brien later stated "he handles an ease in the ground well and is maturing lovely. Seamie was very happy with him."

Regarding his yard's St Leger options, he added "Bondi Beach ran well at York on ground he wouldn't like and he wants good ground, while this fella (Order Of St George) handles an ease. The ground will decide where they go but it's quite possible they could both go to Doncaster."

Order Of St George was subsequently cut to 5/1 (from 9/1) with Paddy Power and Ladbrokes, while Boylesports are 7/1 (from 14/1) for the same race.

Jockey Heffernan was earlier successful on Found for O'Brien who at 8st12lbs was below main jockey Joseph O'Brien's riding weight whereas Order Of St George carried just 8st11lbs.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee