logo
Al Riffa makes class count with stylish Curragh Cup win

Al Riffa makes class count with stylish Curragh Cup win

Stepping up to a mile and three-quarters for the first time, the Dylan Browne McMonagle-ridden 4-5 favourite saw out the trip in some style, rocketing clear late on to claim Group Two honours by five lengths from Shackleton.
Crash, bang, wallop – what a stayer!
Hardwicke Stakes runner-up 𝐀𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐚 thrives for a step up to 1m6f with a frankly effortless success in the Curragh Cup 💥 pic.twitter.com/LDSaytuzF0
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 19, 2025
Stable representative Kevin Blake said: 'That was brilliant, he's a horse with a lot of class and he was last to first in a National Stakes here in fairness to him.
'No one ever felt that he needed that trip, but it made sense. He was relaxed, Dylan said he was very easy to ride over that trip, he quickened up and it was really good.
'I'd say it's most likely that he'll go straight to the Irish Leger from here. There is a possibility of the Group One that he won in Berlin last year (Grosser Preis von Berlin), but I'd say it's more likely he'll go straight there.
'The Melbourne Cup is in the minds thereafter. We all know what comes with that but that would be what we'd like to do, if we're allowed.'
New Zealand and Ryan Moore won the opening race at the Curragh (Niall Carson/PA)
Odds-on favourite New Zealand led home a one-two-three for Aidan O'Brien in the Juddmonte Chaldean Irish EBF Maiden.
Despite finishing only seventh on his debut at this venue three weeks ago, the Frankel colt was sent on his way the 10-11 favourite to open his account in a race won by Henry Longfellow and The Lion In Winter in the past two years and was soon bowling along in front under Ryan Moore.
He was under pressure from two furlongs down, but kept responding to his rider's urgings and had just enough up his sleeve to repel his previously unraced stablemate Issac Newton by a nose, with another Ballydoyle newcomer Action – a half-brother to dual Derby winner Lambourn – an eyecatching third.
A @Ballydoyle 1-2-3 in the @JuddmonteFarms Chaldean @IrishEBF_ Maiden 🔥
Action and Isaac Newton caught the eye, but 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐙𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 held sway under Ryan Moore.
The Lion In Winter, Henry Longfellow, Mac Swiney, New Approach and Teofilo have all won this race 👀 pic.twitter.com/P3aW8OFB1z
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 19, 2025
Of the winner, O'Brien said: 'He's a lovely big horse, he hasn't a clue what he's doing yet – he's massive, the power and the size of him.
'We'll go gentle and let him come on. He learned a lot from the first day, we liked him before that and he was very green. The first day he was a little bit slow away and you could see him today, he never travelled a yard.
'He's a big horse and he's all power. I know he's not short of speed, but he looks like a big, middle-distance horse.'
The Ado McGuinness-trained Go Athletico (20-1) swooped fast and late under Shane Foley to claim top honours in the €100,000 Kwiff Supercharged Betting Scurry Handicap.
Go Athletico (right) gets up to win the Scurry Handicap (Niall Carson/PA)
'It's a nice birthday present – I'm the big 60 today,' said McGuinness.
'I suppose class is permanent and form is temporary and he did lose his form big time. He slipped back down and we were very disappointed with him.
'He's a good horse and he'll probably pitch up in Galway now in the Ahonoora Handicap, that's where he's going to do next.'
Stop The Nation was a 15-2 winner of the Lavazza Sprint Nursery Handicap for trainer Jack Davison and 3lb claimer James Ryan.
'I had a baby boy at 23.59 last night and James Ryan lost his claim there. It's a real feel-good winner on many fronts,' said Davison.
'He's a good colt and he's learning the whole time. He'll be a lovely horse for the Goffs Million.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours
Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

Powys County Times

time28 minutes ago

  • Powys County Times

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

If there was any doubt about Calandagan's resolution in a battle, then his King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes tussle with Kalpana firmly answered the question. Narrowly beaten in four top-level contests since scoring at Royal Ascot last summer, some had looked at the four-year-old's thirst for victory as a reason why the talented son of Gleneagles was yet to strike at the highest level. Francis-Henri Graffard never had any doubts and although relief may have been the overriding emotion when Calandagan opened his Group One account in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last month, this was a moment of sweet vindication for the Aga Khan team who have stood steadfast behind their star middle-distance performer. 'I never had any doubts about his willingness to win and every time he has been beaten he has had excuses,' said Graffard. 'He was really far back in the Juddmonte International and he quickened really strongly, just too late, and in Dubai he again finished strongly when beaten by a very good horse. At Epsom, I had plenty of excuses, but I could never say it was because he didn't want to try. 'Mickael (Barzalona) knows him better now and he loves good ground and the mile-and-a-half distance. I think there can't be any more doubt about his willingness to win.' Having caused a 25-1 shock with Goliath 12 months ago, Graffard this time had the 11-10 favourite on his side and a horse who could quite rightfully class Ascot as his second home. A regular at British passport control, he once again displayed his liking for crossing the Channel, this time around taking home £850,650 after Barzalona delivered his mount with precision to deny Andrew Balding's top-class filly. Graffard added: 'I thought the filly might have got away and when she quickened I thought 'oh my god, I'm going to be beaten a neck again'. 'But Mickael said he was waiting and he really helped him to balance. He said the last 200 metres are long here and he knew he was going to catch her. 'The way he can quicken is very impressive, he's a very good horse and now we know whatever tactics the opposition have we can be competitive in these top races.' For Graffard, a second win in one of the season's key contests cements his position as one of the leading trainers in the world. Having shown himself to be a powerhouse on home soil, he is now proving it on the global stage, again displaying his willingness to venture into enemy territory and make a daring raid on the spoils. 'I love the sport and competition and when you have a top horse in good form, I think it is important to challenge yourself against the best possible opposition,' said Graffard. 'That is how you can really level-up the quality of your horses and English racing is so strong. I came to Royal Ascot with a really strong team of horses and left disappointed, so it is not easy. When you win, it makes it even more joyful. 'The season has been very strong for me so far, we're just starting the second half now and I've just had a week off to recharge and the stats have been very strong for the stable, so we need to keep bringing the winners and we are working very hard.' By emulating the achievement of countryman Maurice Zilber – trainer of 1973 and 1974 winner Dahlia – he has now done what many of his contemporaries, including even the great Andre Fabre, have so far failed to achieve. Dahlia and Zilber were of course thwarted in 'the race of the century' when seeking a King George hat-trick 50 years ago. But on the day next year's Ascot feature was boosted to a swelling £2million prize-pot, the lure of one of the sport's greatest races is sure to prove a tempting proposition once again. 'Hopefully. It's an amazing race and I'm not sure why it is not on the agenda for more horses and stables,' said Graffard when asked about seeking a third win in the race. 'It's a fantastic race and of course you don't just come for the prize-money. If my horses are in good form I would definitely come back again.'

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours
Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

South Wales Guardian

time28 minutes ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

Narrowly beaten in four top-level contests since scoring at Royal Ascot last summer, some had looked at the four-year-old's thirst for victory as a reason why the talented son of Gleneagles was yet to strike at the highest level. Francis-Henri Graffard never had any doubts and although relief may have been the overriding emotion when Calandagan opened his Group One account in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last month, this was a moment of sweet vindication for the Aga Khan team who have stood steadfast behind their star middle-distance performer. 'I never had any doubts about his willingness to win and every time he has been beaten he has had excuses,' said Graffard. 'He was really far back in the Juddmonte International and he quickened really strongly, just too late, and in Dubai he again finished strongly when beaten by a very good horse. At Epsom, I had plenty of excuses, but I could never say it was because he didn't want to try. 'Mickael (Barzalona) knows him better now and he loves good ground and the mile-and-a-half distance. I think there can't be any more doubt about his willingness to win.' Having caused a 25-1 shock with Goliath 12 months ago, Graffard this time had the 11-10 favourite on his side and a horse who could quite rightfully class Ascot as his second home. A regular at British passport control, he once again displayed his liking for crossing the Channel, this time around taking home £850,650 after Barzalona delivered his mount with precision to deny Andrew Balding's top-class filly. Graffard added: 'I thought the filly might have got away and when she quickened I thought 'oh my god, I'm going to be beaten a neck again'. 'But Mickael said he was waiting and he really helped him to balance. He said the last 200 metres are long here and he knew he was going to catch her. 'The way he can quicken is very impressive, he's a very good horse and now we know whatever tactics the opposition have we can be competitive in these top races.' For Graffard, a second win in one of the season's key contests cements his position as one of the leading trainers in the world. Having shown himself to be a powerhouse on home soil, he is now proving it on the global stage, again displaying his willingness to venture into enemy territory and make a daring raid on the spoils. 'I love the sport and competition and when you have a top horse in good form, I think it is important to challenge yourself against the best possible opposition,' said Graffard. 'That is how you can really level-up the quality of your horses and English racing is so strong. I came to Royal Ascot with a really strong team of horses and left disappointed, so it is not easy. When you win, it makes it even more joyful. 'The season has been very strong for me so far, we're just starting the second half now and I've just had a week off to recharge and the stats have been very strong for the stable, so we need to keep bringing the winners and we are working very hard.' By emulating the achievement of countryman Maurice Zilber – trainer of 1973 and 1974 winner Dahlia – he has now done what many of his contemporaries, including even the great Andre Fabre, have so far failed to achieve. Dahlia and Zilber were of course thwarted in 'the race of the century' when seeking a King George hat-trick 50 years ago. But on the day next year's Ascot feature was boosted to a swelling £2million prize-pot, the lure of one of the sport's greatest races is sure to prove a tempting proposition once again. 'Hopefully. It's an amazing race and I'm not sure why it is not on the agenda for more horses and stables,' said Graffard when asked about seeking a third win in the race. 'It's a fantastic race and of course you don't just come for the prize-money. If my horses are in good form I would definitely come back again.'

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours
Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

The Herald Scotland

time28 minutes ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

Francis-Henri Graffard never had any doubts and although relief may have been the overriding emotion when Calandagan opened his Group One account in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last month, this was a moment of sweet vindication for the Aga Khan team who have stood steadfast behind their star middle-distance performer. 'I never had any doubts about his willingness to win and every time he has been beaten he has had excuses,' said Graffard. 'He was really far back in the Juddmonte International and he quickened really strongly, just too late, and in Dubai he again finished strongly when beaten by a very good horse. At Epsom, I had plenty of excuses, but I could never say it was because he didn't want to try. 'Mickael (Barzalona) knows him better now and he loves good ground and the mile-and-a-half distance. I think there can't be any more doubt about his willingness to win.' Having caused a 25-1 shock with Goliath 12 months ago, Graffard this time had the 11-10 favourite on his side and a horse who could quite rightfully class Ascot as his second home. A regular at British passport control, he once again displayed his liking for crossing the Channel, this time around taking home £850,650 after Barzalona delivered his mount with precision to deny Andrew Balding's top-class filly. Graffard added: 'I thought the filly might have got away and when she quickened I thought 'oh my god, I'm going to be beaten a neck again'. 'But Mickael said he was waiting and he really helped him to balance. He said the last 200 metres are long here and he knew he was going to catch her. 'The way he can quicken is very impressive, he's a very good horse and now we know whatever tactics the opposition have we can be competitive in these top races.' For Graffard, a second win in one of the season's key contests cements his position as one of the leading trainers in the world. Having shown himself to be a powerhouse on home soil, he is now proving it on the global stage, again displaying his willingness to venture into enemy territory and make a daring raid on the spoils. 'I love the sport and competition and when you have a top horse in good form, I think it is important to challenge yourself against the best possible opposition,' said Graffard. 'That is how you can really level-up the quality of your horses and English racing is so strong. I came to Royal Ascot with a really strong team of horses and left disappointed, so it is not easy. When you win, it makes it even more joyful. 'The season has been very strong for me so far, we're just starting the second half now and I've just had a week off to recharge and the stats have been very strong for the stable, so we need to keep bringing the winners and we are working very hard.' By emulating the achievement of countryman Maurice Zilber – trainer of 1973 and 1974 winner Dahlia – he has now done what many of his contemporaries, including even the great Andre Fabre, have so far failed to achieve. Dahlia and Zilber were of course thwarted in 'the race of the century' when seeking a King George hat-trick 50 years ago. But on the day next year's Ascot feature was boosted to a swelling £2million prize-pot, the lure of one of the sport's greatest races is sure to prove a tempting proposition once again. 'Hopefully. It's an amazing race and I'm not sure why it is not on the agenda for more horses and stables,' said Graffard when asked about seeking a third win in the race. 'It's a fantastic race and of course you don't just come for the prize-money. If my horses are in good form I would definitely come back again.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store