Racing

Al Kazeem beats The Grey Gatsby to take Tattersalls Gold Cup

Veteran who also won in 2013 ridden to victory at the Curragh by James Doyle

Al Kazeem (blue and white cap) and James Doyle on their way to victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. Photograph: Inpho
Al Kazeem (blue and white cap) and James Doyle on their way to victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. Photograph: Inpho
Sun May 24 2015 - 17:18

Popular veteran Al Kazeem clinched another Group One prize in a thrilling renewal of the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

The Roger Charlton-trained seven-year-old claimed the first of three top-level victories in this event two years ago and returned from an unsuccessful stint at stud almost as good as ever last season, going down narrowly in the Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Having made a winning reappearance at Longchamp before being denied by Cirrus Des Aigles in the Prix Ganay, Al Kazeem was sent off at 3-1 on his return to Ireland and raced with his usual enthusiasm throughout in the hands of James Doyle.

Postponed employed a front-running role from the outset, with fellow British raiders The Grey Gatsby and Al Kazeem his closest pursuers.

READ MORE

Heading inside the last two furlongs, Al Kazeem appeared short of room as he angled for a gap between runners, but he bravely went through it to get to the lead.

For a moment it looked as though Fascinating Rock was being produced to foil the raiding party, but Al Kazeem held him off under a jubilant Doyle, who was winning the race for the third successive year.

Postponed was close-up in third, with 11-10 favourite The Grey Gatsby fourth.

Elsewhere Pleascach repelled hot favourite Found to claim Classic glory in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas.

Having won the 10-furlong Blue Wind Stakes at Naas less than a fortnight ago in spectacular fashion, it was no surprise to see Pleascach ridden positively back over the mile by Kevin Manning, tracking pacesetting stable companions Mainicin and Steip Amach.

As that pair began to weaken heading inside the last two furlongs, 11-2 chance Pleascach moved into the lead, with Bocca Baciata following her through.

Found, winner of last season's Prix Marcel Boussac but beaten on her seasonal return, encountered some trouble in running, but looked set to mow down Pleascach inside the final furlong.

Bolger’s ace was not for catching, however, and passed the post half a length to the good.

Devonshire was third ahead of Jack Naylor and Bocca Baciata.