The evergreen Dorans Pride proved that he has lost none of his dash when taking the featured EBF November Handicap as the curtain came down on a memorable flat season at Leopardstown yesterday.
Michael Hourigan's gelding, for so long one of the stars of the jumping scene, stayed on strongly in the straight to account for favourite Tryphaena, prompting the trainer to comment : 'What can you say ? He's a super horse, and is as good now as he was five years ago.'
'He's done incredibly well considering all the problems he's had, and I'm very lucky to have him.'
Dorans Pride was only re-routed to the race after the abandonment of his original target, Down Royal's Champion Chase, and may still take in that event now that it has been rescheduled for next weekend.
Vinnie Roe, owned by film director Jim Sheridan, stamped himself a useful staying prospect in capturing the Listed Eyrefield Stakes under new champion jockey Pat Smullen.
'He's like his father Definite Article, a tough horse who should do well over longer trips next season', said Dermot Weld afterwards.
'Jim couldn't be here today as he's making a movie in New York, but he heard the race on the phone and was delighted', he added.
The Knockaire Stakes, the day's other Listed event, was won in good style by bargain buy On The Ridge.
The five year-old was bought out of Henry Cecil's yard for just #14,000, and trainer Luke Comer revealed that he had been prepared to pay much more to secure him.
Visiting jockey Adrian Nicholls rode his first winner in this country aboard Factice Royal in the valuable Blackthorn Nursery.
