Volta helps stablemate Fire to Curragh success

9:16am Monday 30th June 2008

A LITTLE disappointing that New Approach, the Epsom Derby winner, was forced to miss the Irish equivalent yesterday with a last minute scare on a hind leg. Let's hope it's nothing too serious.

In the end it turned out to be a big price winner at the Curragh with 16-1 shot Frozen Fire. He looked to be Aidan O'Brien's second string, and it was thanks to Ballydoyle companion Alessandro Volta who veered across the track, badly hampering favourite Tartan Bearer and Curtain Call.

Alessandro Volta was demoted from third to fourth in the steward's room afterwards.

The most impressive winner on the Irish card was also trained by O'Brien, with Mastercraftsman showing a willing attitude in the group two Railway Stakes - 20-1 for next year's Guineas is a massive price, don't say I didn't tell you.

I think we are very lucky at the minute with strength in depth in both jump and flat racing; it's as good as it's been for a long time.

With the wonderful memories of Denman and Kauto Star, going head to head in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, still fresh, the Flat season so far has been more than memorable with great Derby winners and a fantastic Royal Ascot, with plenty more to come in the month's ahead.

There is plenty of local action this week, kicking off with Pontefract today. I like the look of Sir Michael Stoute's Striving in the Fillies Handicap at 2:45.

The Newmarket trainer sends her North looking to gain a first win for the well bred individual, to increase the three-year-old's paddock value. A big run is likely with top jockey Kerrin McEvoy booked to ride.

Last week's top riding performance went to Royston Ffrench for his amazing recovery on Sadeek at Doncaster on Friday.

It happened in the final race of the day when the well backed 5-1 shot was coming with a late challenge. His saddle slipped 50 yards from the line, leaving the jockey dangling with both legs on one side before he managed to hook his right leg over his mount's back to win by a head and a neck.

Ffrench, who returned to a hero's reception in the winner's enclosure, said: "I felt the saddle going back from over two furlongs out and then it went right round the horse's belly. It was just instinct and self-survival that kept me on him, plus I was fortunate to have been able to get my arm around his neck."

Bryan Smart, trainer of Sadeek, shook his head in amazement. The Sutton Bank handler said: "I've never seen anything like it in all my years in racing; the saddle was as on tight as possible.

Although Sadeek carried him Royston won that race."

Never a truer word said!

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