Downdraft

Downdraft ran a big race to finish second to Southern France in the St Leger Trial. Settled at the back of the field by Donnacha O’Brien from early, he made nice progress early in the home straight and mounted a challenge to the winner inside the final two furlongs. It never really looked like he was going to get to the winner, but he ran on strongly all the way to the line, and he finished a good second.

This was another step forward by Joseph O’Brien’s horse. He had lots to find on official ratings with the top three in the market here, he was rated 11lb inferior to the winner going into the race, but he proved that he belonged in this grade. Winner of listed races on his previous two outings, he is progressive. He had won four of his previous six races, and this was another career-best, when he did well to make ground from the rear here. He should be able to continue his progress and he will be of interest wherever he goes next.

The Curragh, 16^th August 2019