Van Nistelrooy came close to losing his unbeaten record at the Curragh when sent off at 4-6 for the Flame Of Tara Tyros Stakes. With a slow early pace, the race developed into a sprint and Van Nistelrooy had a couple of lengths to make up entering the final furlong. Mick Kinane was forced to switch the favourite, who quickened up well to overtake the front-running Etruscan King and land the Listed contest by a head.
The winner was completing a quick juvenile double for O'Brien and Kinane who had produced Miguel Cervantes to land the opening www.curragh.ie European Breeders Fund Maiden.
Chris Catlin produced Imperial Dancer with a perfectly-timed challenge to capture the featured Group Three Meld Stakes for trainer Mick Channon. Chancellor flattered early in the home straight when taking over in front from the disappointing favourite Bach, and battled back to finish a game second.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
