NEWS
Termagant scores upset in Moyglare Stud Stakes
Posted: Sunday, August 30, 2009 3:40 PM
by Mike Curry
Termagant handled a major step up in class and stamped herself a contender for the 2010 classics with a convincing win at 16-to-1 odds in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (Ire-G1) on Sunday at the Curragh.
On paper, the seven-furlong Moyglare Stud Stakes looked like a showdown between Coolmore’s multiple group stakes winner Lillie Langtry and Godolphin’s Group 3 winner Long Lashes. The race developed into a two-horse race with two furlongs remaining, but neither of the two favorites was in the hunt.
Termagant, making only her second career start after a two-length debut win on June 11 at Leopardstown, challenged Famous with about three-eighths of a mile remaining and the duo shook free from the rest of the seven-horse field. Termagant wore down her foe and steadily powered clear under Declan McDonogh to prevail by 2 1/2 lengths on turf rated as heavy.
Trained by Kevin Prendergast for owner Joerg Vasicek, Termagant covered the distance in 1:35.10.
"We were a little bit concerned about the ground, but she handled it well,” Prendergast told England’s Press Association. “She might not run again this season and she has done a good job. Our aim now will be to comeback here for the Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1).
"She has always shown us a great deal, and the plan was always to come here after she won her debut at Leopardstown."
Termagant is the first stakes winner for freshman sire Powerscourt (GB), winner of the 2005 Arlington Million Stakes (G1) and the ’04 Tattersalls Gold Cup (Ire-G1). Powerscourt, by Sadler’s Wells, is based at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Lexington.
Termagant also earned a starting spot in the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf on November 6 at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park meeting via the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.
Famous was 1 1/2 lengths clear of Lillie Langtry, who entered off a victory in the Debutante Stakes (Ire-G1) on August 6 at Leopardstown. Lillie Langtry’s jockey, Johnny Murtagh, believes the 8-to-11 favorite had a legitimate excuse for the disappointing result.
"I knew she wasn't going to win from three out. You have to put it down to the ground, it was very heavy,” Murtagh told Racing Post.
Sent off as the 5-to-2 second betting choice, Long Lashes finished fourth.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
