Kavanagh says revamped Cesarewitch can help retain quality stayers from export

Curragh chief executive Brian Kavanagh insists the Irish Cesarewtich prize-money boost can be considered a success, and believes the revamped handicap can serve as a carrot for owners to keep high-quality stayers from being sold abroad.

The race, won in dramatic fashion by one-time Ballydoyle Derby hope Waterville, showcased an increase in quality from previous runnings, with a mark of 91 required to get a run as opposed to bottom ratings of 76, 78 and 80 in the previous three years.

After being worth €100,000 before the pandemic in 2019 and €80,000 last year, Sunday's revitalised Friends of the Curragh Irish Cesarewitch boasted a prize fund of €600,000, a concept conceived by former Horse Racing Ireland chairman Joe Keeling.