Racing: It has already been an unforgettable season for John Oxx and Mick Kinane, but Alandi played his own part by outmuscling Clowance in a stirring finish to the Irish Field St Leger. A farewell victory for four-times Ascot Gold Cup hero Yeats was the story most of those basking in a glorious afternoon at the Curragh were hoping for.
But he was a bitter disappointment on the glue-like ground as he trailed home last.
Sea The Stars’ indestructible passage through Flat racing’s summer season has restored Kinane and Oxx back to the top and although this event is one of the least prestigious of the European Classics, it can propel Alandi towards what will be a potentially exciting vocation as a stayer in 2010.
The Galileo colt, owned and bred by the Aga Khan, only made his debut as a three-year-old last October but has thrived from a typically considerate campaign by his trainer as this was his fourth win from seven starts.
Godolphin’s 2-1 market leader Schiaparelli cut out much of the running under Olivier Peslier, with Yeats (4-1) and Alandi (3-1) stalking him.
Although Yeats was under pressure, he was still in position for his trademark kick around the home bend. But the burst did not materialise and as the veteran toiled, it was Kinane who drew closer.
Schiaparelli was a resilient foe to the one-furlong pole but as soon as he was beaten, 25-1 shot Clowance appeared, putting in an extraordinary effort on her first run since taking fourth in last year’s Oaks at Epsom.
She had every chance to get past, but Alandi was just too strong and prevailed by half a length, repeating the same connections’ success with Kastoria three years ago.
While Oxx travelled to Doncaster to saddle Mourayan in the English St Leger, Kinane spurned that opportunity in favour of County Kildare.
Kinane said: “I was very hopeful as he won really well last time (in the Ballycullen Stakes at Fairyhouse).”
“The only times he has been beaten was once because of the ground, and the other couple of times I blamed myself.
“It was testing ground and the leader was going quick enough. I had to go for him at some stage but it a real slog and he had to be very tough. I think he could be very good going two miles plus.
“John and His Highness needed a good season and I am pleased for everyone.”
Oxx added: “Mick had fancied him for this race for a while — he always said to me if it was soft he would take some beating. One mile, six furlongs is the bare minimum for him as he’s a real grinder.
“I was happy to see him come off the bridle as early as he did because Mick said afterwards they went a hell of a gallop on such soft ground. We’ll go for the Prix du Cadran next and he’ll stay in training next year.
“He’s a fun horse — the only thing is he’s not as good on good ground so a place like Ascot might not be for him.”
Roger Charlton was naturally thrilled with Clowance.
“I’m really pleased,” he said. “She had been off for 14 months and had been on box rest six weeks ago.
“She needed the run, and just got tired. We’ll just have to see how she comes out of it.”
Seamie Heffernan, who rode Yeats, was as dejected as many.
“He just wouldn’t go today,” he could only reflect.
Schiaparelli was a respectable third, with Dermot Weld’s Melbourne Cup hope Profound Beauty sticking on for a distant fourth.