Brits dominate Sportsman's Challenge reboot as Felix Natalis lands €100,000 race

Thursday: Naas

The Goffs Sportsman's Challenge had been moribund since its last running at the Curragh in 2008, but made its return as a €100,000 contest on the all-juvenile card at Naas and no one would have been more thankful than connections of British raider Felix Natalis.

Four of the first five home were trained in Britain, but Seamie Heffernan dominated proceedings on the Tom Dascombe-trained colt, making all and rarely looking in any sort of trouble in scoring by two lengths from joint-favourites Miami Girl and Signora Camacho.

This son of Harry Angel is always likely to hold a special place in Dascombe's affections, as his victory in a Newbury nursery in July off a mark of 65 was the trainer's first winner since his split with Michael Owen and move to Lambourn.

Heffernan said: "I spoke to Tom this morning. The horse is very experienced and very genuine. He was confident that he would get into the money and he told me to keep it uncomplicated. We got all the money!"

He added: "He's a two-year-old type, he's handy and muscular and he was ready to run. Hopefully he can progress into a Group horse."

Plenty to offer

Johnny Murtagh seemed surprised after the debut victory of the Tony Smurfit-owned Bay Of Plenty in the 6f maiden for colts and geldings, but perhaps by the manner of the success more than anything.

Ben Coen was denied a clear run twice on the son of New Bay, but when switched to daylight he produced a burst of speed to beat fellow newcomer Pier Pressure by a length and a quarter, settling the issue in a couple of strides.

Murtagh said: "We thought he did okay in his barrier trial but he tired a little bit. Tony, his owner, asked me if he's a good horse, and I said he's a handy horse, he's tough and hardy. We have him in a claimer next Monday but I think we might be a bit more ambitious than that now."

He added: "He was going very well in the spring, but he was badly behaved and we gelded him, and since then his work has been ordinary. Obviously he's better on the track.

"Ben said when he got knocked back his chance was gone, but as soon as he saw daylight he quickened up really well. He's still plenty green so he should come on a nice bit. We'll have to stick him in a winner's race or a stakes race now and see where he is."

Discovery looks the part

Perhaps the best was saved until last as the Jessica Harrington-trained Bold Discovery, a son of exciting American stallion Bolt D'Oro, impressively made all to land the concluding unraced maiden under Shane Foley.

"He's a gorgeous horse and that was very impressive," said Kate Harrington. "There are lots of bonuses to be won out in America but we'll chat to the owners and see. He's a very exciting horse for next season."

Results, replays and analysis

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