No doubts about Champion Thomas
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Dylan Thomas demolished any doubters which might still have been around at
Leopard today when becoming the first horse to win back-to-back Irish
Champion Stakes since it became a Group 1 race.
This was one of the 8-15 favourite's smoothest performances of the season
and he will probably head for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris next month
according to trainer Aidan O'Brien.
With a pacemaker in the field today O'Brien had it all wrapped up and in
fact filled the first three places in the race.
After Dylan Thomas came Duke of Marmalade and Red Rock Canyon who had made
all the running and was still in front as the field turned for home.
At this stage, Duke of Marmalade detached himself from the pack which was
chasing Red Rock Canyon and went after the leader.
A furlong and a half from home he looked good but on the outside Kieren
Fallon was coming with a "wet sail" and quickly took up the running inside
the distance.
It couldn't have been easier and was in sharp contrast to last years winning
effort when Dylan Thomas just edged out Ouija Board.
To tremendous cheers and handshakes, Fallon rode into the winner's enclosure
and many were aware that this month could decide his fate as a jockey as a
result of impending court proceedings.
If Fallon was anxious he certainly didn't show it he was bathed in smiles as
he rode in on Thomas.
He said: "This horse has been lucky to me. He he is one of the best I have
ever ridden. He has a great temperament and loads of speed. He was beaten at
York last time out because of the soft ground otherwise I feel he would have
beaten the Derby winner Authorized."
Needless to say trainer Aidan O'Brien couldn't have been happier and
surrounded by members his sprouting family, he said: "Dylan Thomas has
proved again that in a solid run race on fast going he is unbeatable. He got
a lovely pull from Red Rock Canyon and showed excellent pace close to home.
"I have always regarded the Irish Champion Stakes as the most important race
in Europe and to win it back-to-back is really something. He didn't run in
last year's Arc because of the ground but if it remains on the fast side
then he will head for Longchamp."
The disappointment of the race was Finsceal Beo who had won the English and
Irish 1000 Guineas earlier in the season but never got in a blow today.
A disappointed jockey Kevin Manning said: "She was the first horse beaten."
