Stunning surge as View takes Topaz

Stunning View came with a dramatic late surge to claim the Topaz Mile EBF Handicap for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen. Royal Blue Star made a bold bid from the front to land the feature event on day-two of the festival.

He couldn't hold the late surge of 7/1 joint-favourite Stunning View, however, who picked up in impressive style in the straight.

He collared the long-time leader in the closing stages to post a two-length victory in the €115,000 contest.

The other 7/1 joint favourite, Ask Jack finished well back in 14th place.

It was a quick double for connections, with Rainforest Magic having claimed the previous two-mile handicap in the colours of Dr Ronan Lambe.

"He got a lovely ride from Pat. Everthing went according to plan and he was in the right place throughout," said Weld.

"This is always a tough race to win. He appreciates an ease in the ground and my only concern was that it might be too fast.

"He won here as a two-year-old and has been a consistent, good horse. He had a very good run at Royal Ascot in the Hunt Cup and today was his day.

"He's a well-bred horse and we'll look at getting black-type with him. The logical way to go is a Listed race.

"He in again here over seven on Saturday but i think that will do him for the week."

Lambe added:- "He showed a super turn of foot. Pat looked in trouble down the hill but once he got out it was all over."

The crowd figure for day two was slightly down on last year with 17,510 through the stiles as opposed to 17,860 last year.

Gary Carson