The Happy Prince "really enjoying it now"

The Happy Prince touched odds of 1.26 in running when ultimately short-headed in a Group 2 at Doncaster on St Leger day on September 10th. Back from that seven furlong assignment to six here, Ballydoyle's Rip Van Winkle colt ran out a pretty authoritative winner of the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh.

It was a long enough final furlong for the Ryan Moore-ridden 11/4 favourite, The Happy Prince, after making virtually all.

In reality though, the chasing pair, Flight Risk and La Rioja were never going to bridge the gap and they were three parts of a length and a nose down at the line.

Aidan O'Brien reflected in the aftermath: "He's definitely improving. Ryan said he would have no problem going back to five furlongs as he has plenty of speed.

"He's more straight forward and is really enjoying it now."

P.J. Smullen, rider of Jane's Memory trained by Rae Guest (in GB), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran flat.

The Stewards interviewed T. Eaves, rider of Goken (FR), concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he used the whip with his arm above shoulder height and having considered his record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Jane's Memory, trained by Rae Guest (in GB), at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)