Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes
Group 1, Curragh 16:10
€400,000 guaranteed,
2yo, 7f, Class 1   
Sunday 15th September 2024

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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)

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.”

FormRatings

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

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