Derby fifth Hazapour fails to fire as Turret Rocks lands shock Meld success

Jim Bolger's Turret Rocks battled tenaciously to cause an upset in the feature Meld Stakes at Leopardstown, with Investec Derby fifth Hazapour managing only third having been sent off the 8-13 favourite.

Ridden by Kevin Manning, the 14-1 winner prevailed in a thrilling duel with Aidan O'Brien's Deauville, who finished second in the Group 3 contest last year to Bolger's Moonlight Magic. Dermot Weld's Hazapour was unable to land a significant blow.

Bolger said: "She got some super assistance from the saddle and wasn't going to give it away.

"The Prix de l'Opera could be a target on Arc day. The only problem with that might be that she doesn't like soft ground."

He added: "She might get an invite to Hong Kong as well – I'll have to take out my passport again."

How the race was won

Deauville, ridden by Donnacha O'Brien, set off in front and tried to catch Hazapour flat-footed after Frankie Dettori had settled the favourite three to four lengths off the pace in third. The June Judd-owned Turret Rocks was never far away in second.

O'Brien injected pace into the contest on the turn for home, with Hazapour looking one-paced under pressure as he attempted to make headway. Turret Rocks battled between the pair in the straight and stayed on well to prevail by a neck.

Bolger added: "She started to improve about a month ago and has done well since. She is gutsy and when on song she can be very good."

Results and analysis

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