National Stakes glory for Eve Johnson Houghton and Zavateri

Zavateri justified the faith and bravery of his trainer Eve Johnson Houghton with a thrilling victory in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh.

Although unbeaten in three previous starts, including back-to-back Group Two wins in the July Stakes at Newmarket and Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, the Without Parole colt went on his way at 15-2 stepping into the lion’s den.

Coventry Stakes winner Gstaad was the 10-11 favourite to provide his trainer Aidan O’Brien with a 13th National Stakes success, having met with defeat for the first time when a close second to Venetian Sun in the Prix Morny, but in Zavateri he came up against a worthy and willing adversary.

The pair had it between them racing inside the final furlong, with both Gstaad and Zavateri – who looked like he might win with some authority at one point – giving their all under Christophe Soumillon and Charlie Bishop respectively.

After a brief wait, the judge confirmed Zavateri the winner by a head and while the stewards called an inquiry after some late scrimmaging, the placings were quickly upheld.