Cat O'Mountain sees it out well under Fran Berry from Prince Of All and Chris Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
The Group 1 Dubai World Cup third placer Cat O'Mountain showed his class to justify 2/1 favouritism in the Group 3 Diamond Stakes at Dundalk.
With two of the home team, namely Afonso De Sousa (6th) and Paene Magnus (7th) not running up to their best, Prince Of All did best of the Irish horses and he pressed the Fran Berry-ridden Cat O'Mountain all the way to the line but failed by half a length.
Of course in-form Charlie Abbleby trains Cat O'Mountain for Godolphin whilst fellow English raider Bayrir took the third spot, two and a quarter lengths adrift of the front pair.
"He's a very nice horse and he had the form to win it. Charlie said to disregard his Kempton run as it was his first run off a break and he was trapped wide. That's my first ride for the yard.
"I was able to follow Chris Hayes (on Prince Of All) through.
"He did it well despite idling in front," explained Berry, who finished riding in Ireland for 2014 on this card. He partners Jack Naylor at Longchamp on Sunday before again heading for Japan where he's enjoyed such success in the past.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Afonso De Sousa (USA), trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have an pre-existing nick on the outside of his near fore leg, but to be otherwise Post Race Normal. (MG & EM)
