British-trained runners continued their stranglehold on the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Sale Stakes at the Curragh today when victory went to Beaver Patrol.
Michael Kinane, who landed the race last season on Mick Channon's Majestic Desert, forced Fulke Johnson Houghton's colt home by a length from the favourite Indesatchel in the six-furlong dash.
Johnson Houghton, who trained the 2002 winner Tout Seul, must have thought he would have to settle for the runner-up spot this time as Jamie Spencer sent Indesatchel to the front with over a furlong left.
Beaver Patrol (9-2) is a tough sort, though, and with Kinane on his back they combined to form a powerful force. Getting back on top inside the final furlong, the son of Tagula stayed on well to win.
Successful twice before today, the winner picked up 147,000 euros this time and has proved a real bargain as he cost only 18,000 euros.
Johnson Houghton said: "I thought he'd run well, but he'd be better over seven furlongs. He battled well and won well in the end. I've put him in the Racing Post Trophy, although that may be a bit optimistic."
Kinane had to make do with second spot in the following Group Two Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes as Democratic Deficit had no answer to the Spencer-ridden 5-4 favourite Oratorio.
Aidan O'Brien's colt came home an impressive two-length winner to set himself up for a tilt at the National Stakes over the course and distance next month.
O'Brien said of the son of Danehill: "Jamie hadn't ridden him in a race for a while and he couldn't believe how much he has improved. Hopefully the National Stakes will be next for him now."
Broodmare Sayedat Alhadh's matings with Danzig have proved fruitful for connections.
One of the offspring, Walayef, gained all three of her career wins at the Curragh, including last year's Athasi Stakes, and her full-sister Ulfah kept up the family tradition by registering her second Listed victory in the Emerald Bloodstock Belgrave Stakes.
Kevin Prendergast trained both fillies for Hamdan Al Maktoum and he will consider options with the owner before making plans.
The race went simply for the Declan McDonagh-ridden 7-1 shot, who got to the front before halfway and made the rest, holding off the strong late challenge of joint-favourite Desert Fantasy by a head.