Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes |
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| Group 1, Curragh 16:10 €400,000 guaranteed, 2yo, 7f, Class 1  |
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1 Scorthy Champ 12/1
2
Henri Matisse 5/6F
3
Seagulls Eleven 7/1
8 ran Distances: ¾l, ¾l, 2¼l
Time: 1m 25.08s (slow by 1.58s)
Revenge 🟨🟪
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 15, 2024
𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩 reverses Futurity Stakes form with Henri Matisse to land the Group 1 @Goffs1866 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes.@JosephOBrien2 | @DylanBrowneMcM pic.twitter.com/tw4KwCRpbh
Scorthy Champ caused an upset by defeating the previously unbeaten Henri Matisse at the Curragh. Henri Matisse, trained by Aidan O’Brien, had won his first three races, including a decisive victory in the Group Two Futurity Stakes over the same course and distance three weeks prior, despite veering near the finish. The Wootton Bassett colt was the 5-6 favourite to win his Group One debut, but his erratic behavior cost him this time.
Scorthy Champ, trained by Joseph O’Brien, had made a winning debut at Leopardstown in mid-May and finished third in the Futurity after a slow start. He was a 12-1 shot for the rematch. This time, Dylan Browne McMonagle’s mount broke well and took the lead, staying straight and true, while Henri Matisse wandered under pressure and finished three-quarters of a length behind. Hugo Palmer’s British raider Seagulls Eleven showed promise in third.
“It’s a special day. I’m really happy with the horse and it was a fantastic ride from Dylan,” said the winning trainer. “He had a great debut, and the form of that maiden worked out well. He came back from a lay-off last time, and we knew he’d be better after the run. We didn’t necessarily expect to win today, but we thought he’d run a big race, and he was very impressive. Dylan said he idled in front, and he’s a top-notch horse.”
O’Brien, who also trained the fourth-placed Cowardofthecounty, added: “They are two high-class colts, but Scorthy Champ probably has a touch of brilliance. I was very happy with Cowardofthecounty’s run too. He didn’t get the best run, and I think he’ll be better than we saw today.”
Regarding Scorthy Champ’s future, he said: “I’m not sure if he’ll run again this year, but I’d guess he probably will. He had a mid-season break due to a minor setback after his debut, so we’ll likely see him again this year. I see him more as a miler, so he could go for the Lagardere or the Breeders’ Cup.”
Aidan O’Brien felt Henri Matisse hadn’t lost much in defeat. “He’s still a baby. He jinked when he got there last time and did the same today. He’s mentally immature, though probably physically mature. I knew Joseph fancied the winner, and it was probably a good race.”
Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (Group 1)
€400,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 7f
8 ran
Going: Good
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (1) Scorthy Champ 2 9-5 Joseph O'Brien Dylan Browne McMonagle 12/1
2 (5) ¾ Henri Matisse 2 9-5 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 5/6F
3 (3) ¾ Seagulls Eleven 2 9-5 Hugo Palmer Oisin Murphy 7/1
4 (8) 2¼ Aomori City 2 9-5 Charlie Appleby William Buick 4/1
5 (6) ½ Cowardofthecounty 2 9-5 Joseph O'Brien Declan McDonogh 16/1
6 (2) 1¼ Rock Of Cashel 2 9-5 A P O'Brien Wayne Lordan 40/1
7 (7) 3½ Hill Road 2 9-5 Adrian Murray David Egan 14/1
8 (4) 2¾ The Parthenon 2 9-5 A P O'Brien Gavin Ryan 66/1
