Desert sunk at Leopardstown
Majestic Desert failed to give a timely boost to the Attraction team at Leopardstown this evening.
The Mick Channon-trained filly, who chased home Mark Johnston’s unbeaten star in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, could only play second fiddle to the improving Tropical Lady (11-4) in the Group Three Brownstown Stakes.
Jim Bolger’s four-year-old proved too strong for the Lambourn raider as she swooped late to score by a neck.
Jockey Ted Durcan gave no excuses for the 11-10 favourite, who was running here in preference to taking on Attraction again in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket on Tuesday.
Tropical Lady, a three-time winner in handicaps this year, could now contest Matron Stakes back at this track on Irish Champion Stakes day.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Stagelight looks to have a bright future following a promising debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden on the same card.
The son of Montjeu was given a nice introduction by Jamie Spencer, only needing gentle encouragement to hold-off Cappa Blanca by half a length after the pair had hit the front a furlong out.
“He’s a grand horse. Jamie was content to hold on to him and felt he had a bit up his sleeve. He could come back here for the Tyros Stakes,” said O’Brien.
John Oxx was also on the mark with a debutante when Fitzroy finished to good effect in the Monaloe Maiden under Mick Kinane.
And the veteran rider again showed his strength when getting Golden Triangle home in the FM 104 Handicap.
