Finsceal Beo storms into the history books at the Curragh on Sunday

Finsceal Beo creates history
By Tom Krish

May 28, 2007

Finsceal Beo became only the second filly to accomplish the English-Irish 1000 Guineas double at the Curragh in Ireland on Sunday. Attraction had won the two classics in 2004 and she then went on to win the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Jockey Kevin Manning had Finsceal Beo in fifth as the field settled down. He stayed covered up and was in fourth at the halfway point. Finsceal Beo angled to the outside to make her bid three furlongs out. Kevin Manning had the lead with just over a furlong left and he had a two-length break.

The most exciting part of the 2007 Irish 1000 Guineas was yet to come. Dimenticata, a 66-1 outsider, ridden by Chris Hayes, came up with a rattle. In the last 100 yards, Dimenticata was cutting down the leader's advantage as Kevin Manning asked Finsceal Beo to give her all. The photo revealed that the 9-10 favorite had lasted to win and the margin was a fast-diminishing neck.

The winning time for the straight mile was 1 39.3 on ground that had some ease caused by rain preceding the race. Finsceal Beo was emulating Cockney Rebel's feat of winning at Newmarket and at the Curragh. The winner's share of the purse was 151,689 pounds. Finsceal Beo is by Mr Greeley. The dam is Musical Treat who is by Royal Academy.

Jim Bolger, the winning trainer, said, "I am happy with her. The ease in the ground brought out the best in her. She has done amazingly well in three races in three weeks. I am not sure if we will go to Royal Ascot's Coronation. I may try her over longer trips later."

The Tattersalls Gold Cup, a supporting event and a traditional prep for the Coronation Cup at Epsom on Oaks day, went to Notnowcato. Johnny Murtagh had the 7-1 choice in second, led over three furlongs out and beat back Dylan Thomas's bid in a pulsating stretch duel. Notnowcato had beaten Dylan Thomas in testing ground in the Juddmonte International at York in 2006.

"He was always travelling well. He was relaxed. He was in front two furlongs out and responded when Dylan Thomas came," stated Johnny Murtagh, the winning rider.
Sir Michael Stoute, the trainer, was not present at the Curragh.

Aidan O'Brien, who trains Dylan Thomas, did not offer excuses. "The ground did not bother him. He ran a great race. I am pleased. We will see he comes out of this race and look at the options,: he said.

Dylan Thomas was the half money choice on the basis of two sparkling wins this year including an easy score in the Prix de Ganay at Longchamp.

The time for the 1 mile 2 1/2 furlong race was 2 16.2. The winning margin was a head. Notnowcato earned 125,675 pounds. Notnowcato is by Inchinor out of Rambling Rose who is by Cadeaux Genereux.

Notnowcato and Dylan Thomas are likely to clash next in the Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot next month. The Royal Meeting begins on June 19 and runs for five days.