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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Crosse makes Group race breakthrough

Sat 28th Sep 2019, 14:36

Speak In Colours, left, sees off DownforceSpeak In Colours, left, sees off Downforce
© Photo Healy Racing

Speak In Colours gave jockey Shane Crosse his first Group-race victory in the AES Renaissance Stakes.

The 6/5 favourite made headway to lead a furlong and a half out and kept on well to see off Downforce who looked a significant threat at the furlong pole.

Downforce (20/1) couldn't quite get on terms, though, and was outgunned in the closing stages by a length and a quarter in this Group 3.

Joseph O’Brien said: “It was a good performance. Obviously he was ahead on ratings but the second horse (Downforce) is very good on soft ground. Shane gave him a lovely ride.

“He’s in the Foret next week so there is a chance he might go there if he comes out of this okay.

“He’s won on all types of ground and seems very versatile. He’d nearly a career best when fourth in Ascot and that was good and quick.

“He’s a great horse to have as he’s very solid and runs his race over six or seven furlongs.”

Shane Crosse added: “That’s my first Group-race winner. A big thanks must go to Joseph and it’s great to get the opportunity.

“He’s a lovely, relaxed type. I probably got there a bit soon but when Billy(Lee)’s horse came to me he kept going well.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.