Whirl Secures Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes Victory at The Curragh
A dominant performance by Whirl and jockey Ryan Moore captivated racing fans at The Curragh on Saturday, securing victory in the prestigious Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes. The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming a strong challenge from race favorite Kalpana in a thrilling finish.
A Test of Stamina and Skill
Whirl, a three-year-old daughter of Wootton Bassett, went straight to the front under Moore’s guidance, setting a brisk pace in the one mile two furlong contest. The filly had recently finished second to stablemate Minnie Hauk in the Betfred Oaks at Epsom, suggesting a strong foundation of stamina and ability. As the race progressed, it appeared the Andrew Balding-trained Kalpana, ridden by Colin Keane, was poised to overtake Whirl in the final furlong.
Battling to the Finish
However, Whirl responded gamely when asked for an extra effort by Moore, refusing to yield to the challenge. “The ultimate racing machine, really,” one observer remarked, highlighting the filly’s tenacity and determination. The final result saw Whirl prevail by a length and a quarter, with the French-trained Survie finishing a further length and three-quarters back in third place in the seven-runner Group 1 event.
A Day of Success for O’Brien, Moore, and Coolmore
This victory marked a significant achievement for several key figures in the racing world. The win completed a treble on the day for the formidable partnership of trainer Aidan O’Brien, jockey Ryan Moore, and the Coolmore partners. Remarkably, it also represented a third win on the card for Coolmore Stud stallion Wootton Bassett, underscoring his growing influence as a sire. The winning purse totaled €300,000.
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The Pretty Polly Stakes victory solidifies Whirl’s position as a leading contender in the three-year-old filly division, and signals a bright future for this promising talent.
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