Buckhurst lands Royal Whip for Joseph O'Brien as Sir Dragonet disappoints

All eyes were on Derby fifth Sir Dragonet in the Group 3 Royal Whip Stakes but Aidan O'Brien's charge disappointed as Buckhurst fended off Leo De Fury in a thrilling finish, earning him quotes of 14-1 (from 20) for the St Leger.

Having raced prominently under brother Donnacha O'Brien, Buckhurst hit the front three furlongs out and, although he looked to be stopping inside the final 100 yards, he battled gamely to fend off the well supported Jessie Harrington-trained rival.

Donnacha O'Brien said: "He's very tough and tries his heart out. I probably committed him a little bit early and got a little bit lonely in front but he found more again when the other horse came to him.

"I thought I'd get to make the running but Kevin [Manning] seemed to be keen, so I was happy to just take my horse to his outside and take a lead. I always thought he was going to hold on, he was just getting a little bit idle in front. I'm sure he could be on his travels but I'm not sure about any plans for him."

Sir Dragonet travelled well behind the pace but after making a brief move into contention, he flattened out as if he was in need of the run and finished fourth.

Luke Comer's Zabriskie unfortunately suffered an injury rounding the home bend and was pulled up sharply.

Southern France makes it six St Leger Trial victories in a row for Aidan O'Brien

Southern France made it six consecutive victories in the Group 3 Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial Stakes for trainer Aidan O'Brien with a ready success under Ryan Moore.

Having tracked the early pace set by Master Of Reality, Moore pulled the strong-travelling Southern France out of the slipstream and hit the front fully two furlongs out.

Showcasing his copious stamina, Southern France stuck on gamely in the dying strides to fend off the Joseph O'Brien-trained Downdraft to reward favourite backers.

Watch Southern France's win here

Moore said: "He's been running in good races and deserves to get his head back in front. He's a straightforward horse."

Southern France, who was recording his first success since winning a Listed contest in May 2018, followed in the steps of recent winners Leading Light, Order Of St George (three times) and Flag Of Honour.

O'Brien added: "It takes a bit of time to get those older horses fit. Seamus [Heffernan] said that Capri isn't fit yet, but we have a month to go now to start leaning on them a bit. Both horses will come back here for the Irish St Leger."

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