Benvenuto Cellini put his Epsom disappointment behind him by leading a one-two-three home to Aidan O’Brien in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh.
The Chester Vase winner was the clear favorite to give the Ballydoyle dealer his 12th victory in the Derby at Epsom three weeks ago, but a slow start and slow ground saw him finish down the field before he was controversially declared a non-runner after it emerged he still had one leg on a shelf in the stalls when the gates opened.
With Ryan Moore sticking with him, instead of switching to the Epsom hero and stablemate on Christmas Day, the son of Frankel was the 7/4 market leader to reward those who kept the faith – and while he missed the break a bit again, he recovered quickly and rose steadily into contention before chipping away to see out Christmas Day by a length and three quarters.
Pierre Bonnard was just a neck further back in third, with previously unbeaten Raaheeb back in fourth.
More to follow…
Purview sets some lofty goals with international win
Purview further enhanced his growing reputation with a comprehensive victory in the Dubai Duty Free International Stakes.
Dermot Weld’s colt looked an exciting prospect when second to the top-class Delacroix in last year’s Leopardstown Derby Trial, and while he was beaten on his next few starts, he signed off on 2025 with a Listed win at Cork and looked better than ever on his return in last month’s Orby Stakes.
The son of Kingman was even-money favorite to claim a first Group race win on his return to the Curragh and, after traveling well in the slipstream of Sindria for much of the 10-furlong journey, was pushed clear by Colin Keane to win comfortably by three-quarters of a length from Trustyourinstinct.
“I was happy for the horse and for the owners. Juddmonte have been great supporters of mine and I appreciate the family’s support,” Weld said.
“He is a very talented colt, he is starting to fulfill the promise that I always thought he would. I think he has a long year ahead of him and we will look at different options.
“I always thought that at the end of this year he would reach his peak, so today was just a step on the way.”
The Rosewell House trader expects Purview to test his mettle at Group 1 level later this year after identifying targets at home and abroad.
When asked if he was tempted to go to Royal Ascot, Weld added: “I think I always wanted to bring him here. I know I brought him back from a mile and a half, which we now know is probably his optimum distance.
“The Irish Champion Stakes is obviously a clear target for him as he won today. Colin and I were lucky enough a few years ago to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf (Tarnawa in 2020) and I think he could be a horse for that race.
“He is also registered for the Arc and I have always seen the end of the year for him, but the Arc can be very heavy. As you saw today, he has a nice pace.
“Colin rode him right up the pace, so he’s a horse that will do very well at Keeneland.
“He’s a very smart colt and I still think we’ve got more to come.”