UK raiders add National Stakes to weekend haul

English raiders trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick capped a memorable weekend at the Curragh today, landing the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes with Classic contender Native Trail which proved too strong for a stout Irish defence.

Ballydoyle's Point Lonsdale (8/13f) was bidding to maintain an unbeaten record but was readily swept aside by Native Trail, a son of Oasis Dream, who went clear in the final furlong to beat that rival three and a half lengths.

Appleby and Buick were successful in yesterday's English St Leger with Irish Derby winner Hurricane Lane, one of three Doncaster winners for the pair, with today's success being the pair's third win in the last four renewals of the National Stakes

Following today's race, Appleby reported “this is a route we’ve done with Pinatubo and Quorto and it was always our plan after the Superlative to come here.

“This is a great race and an indicator to the Dewhurst. It’s a Group 1 and a great race to be involved in, and more importantly a great weekend to be involved in.

“He’s an interesting horse to be around, like a lot of the good ones, when you get to learn their characteristics. We changed some equipment on him and put a cross noseband on to make him concentrate as he was free and messing around.

“I’d say we will go straight for the Dewhurst. I don’t know if he’s quite got the head for a Breeders Cup yet and we might find something else for that.”

He added “it’s been a great summer with those middle distance horses and the older horses as well. Full credit to all the team at home for putting a lot of hard work in and as always His Highness Sheikh Mohammed who is so great to this sport.”

Native Trail was later cut to 7/4 (from 6/1) with Betfair and Paddy Power for the Dewhurst and from 5/1 (from 10s) for the Derby.

Quotes from Alan Magee