Warnaq makes all for landmark Listed win

Matthew Smith saddled his first Listed winner as course specialist Warnaq landed the Finale Stakes at Naas.

The Kilmessan trainer has enjoyed a good year, especially with One Cool Poet winning three times at the Galway Festival plus a Premier Handicap at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend, and Warnaq completed her own unique treble as this was the third successive year she has won on this season ending card.

Robbie Colgan ’s mount, a 7/2 chance, made all and held on well under pressure inside the final furlong to beat Quote by two and a quarter lengths.

The 3/1 favourite Solage could find no extra from over a furlong out and was over eight lengths further back in third.

Smith said, “I’m delighted as she was knocking on the door in a couple of Listed races and it’s nice to eventually get her head in front. That’s my first Listed winner.

“We knew with the rain that came she would have a great chance as she really loves that ground and gallops and gallops. She’s a tough old filly who tries her heart out.

“She loves it here and at Navan. She’s after winning here on this day for three years in a row now. Robbie was very good on her as well.

“There is a Listed race at Doncaster next Saturday that I have given her an entry for. We’ll see how she is and what the ground is like.”