Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival Recap: Henri Matisse Wins Thrilling Railway Stakes
(The Curragh, Ireland) The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh delivered an action-packed day of horse racing, with several exciting results. In the feature race, the GAIN Railway Stakes, the 8/1 outsider Henri Matisse came from last to first to secure a thrilling victory.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Henri Matisse was ridden to success by Wayne Lordan, who commented, “The six furlongs today we felt might be on the sharp side for him, but he finished off the race well and I think he won well at the line.” This win marks O’Brien’s 14th Railway Stakes triumph, tying the legendary Vincent O’Brien’s record.
The winner was shortened to 10/1 for next year’s 2000 Guineas, and O’Brien indicated a potential step up in trip could be on the cards, saying, “He’s a lovely horse, tries very hard and is very genuine. He has an unbelievable pedigree.”
Elsewhere on the Card
“Prize money is so, so important and without prize money we can’t keep these horses.”
- Ger Lyons, Trainer
Elsewhere on the card, My Mate Alfie (10/3) won a thrilling renewal of the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes for trainer Ger Lyons and jockey Colin Keane. Lyons commented on the importance of prize money, stating, “Prize money is so, so important and without prize money we can’t keep these horses.”
There was also a minor surprise in the Listed Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes, with 10/1 shot Lord Massusus prevailing under Garry Carroll for trainer Joe Murphy. The handler said, “It’s a wonderful occasion and we’re back in business, where he should be, and I think he’s a nice horse going forward.”
The action-packed day on the Curragh once again demonstrated the high caliber of horse racing in Ireland, with trainers, jockeys, and owners all playing their part in delivering an entertaining and competitive festival.
🔗 Source