Band Of Outlaws and Wayne Lordan (2nd left) win from Tony The Gent (right) Massif Central (left) and Atlas (centre) © Photo Healy Racing
Irish Derby winning trainer Joseph O'Brien was back in the number one spot at the Curragh again this afternoon courtesy of Band Of Outlaws
The 7/1 shot burst through inside the final furlong, under Wayne Lordan, to land the spoils in the €50,000 Lyndsey & Eleanor Comer Trust Handicap.
The Fast Company colt was held up before coming between horses in the closing stages to get his head in front in the last 50 yards for a half length success over the fast finishing Tony The Gent
“Wayne gave him a great ride. He ran very well here on Guineas weekend, when Donnacha was very happy with him, and he just had nowhere to go,” said O'Brien.
“Then he didn't get in to the Britannia (at Royal Ascot). This was obviously a nice pot here on a good track.
“We actually thought he was a six furlong horse earlier in the year but he's actually better going seven or a mile and holding him up.
“He had to wait today, and he got a little nudge, but he didn't panic on him and got there lovely.
“Galway is a possible. We'll see what the handicapper does and go from there. He has plenty of pace and travels so he's a decent handicapper in fairness.”
On Latrobe:- “He's fine. We don't know what we are doing next but we'll get the next few days out of the way and see what happens.
“It was unbelievable and a special. I was so delighted for Donnacha and all the lads at home.
“You just have to enjoy but not rest on your laurels and drive on to the next one.”
Wayne Lordan said of today's winner:- “The ground was just on the quick side for him, and he lugged a bit right. He doesn’t kill himself when he gets there so probably on the day it worked out perfect.”