Push The Boat Out denies Great Barrier Reef in Round Tower
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 29 Aug 2026
Push The Boat Out got up in the dying strides to claim the notable scalp of Royal Ascot hero Great Barrier Reef in the Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh.
Making his first appearance since completing a hat-trick in the Coventry Stakes in June, 4-5 favourite Great Barrier Reef was sent straight to the front by Ryan Moore, with Livenka disputing the lead during the early stages the Group Three contest.
The market leader set sail for home two furlongs out and had the field strung out as the Michael O’Callaghan-trained Push The Boat Out – a course and distance winner on his debut three weeks ago – gave chase entering the final furlong.
Seamie Heffernan timed his challenge on the 17-2 shot to perfection, wearing Great Barrier Reef to hand him his first defeat by a neck.
Watch: Aidan O'Brien reflects on Great Barrier Reef's run in the Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes
O’Callaghan said: “When they win a maiden first time out they have to jump up to this level. There was a little bit of greenness there during the middle part of the race and he came off the bridle early, but Seamie got him rolling from halfway.
“Seamie was very complimentary of him – he said he was a racehorse. We’ll get him home and see how he is but he said he’s still a little bit weak.
“Obviously he’s unbeaten, he’s won his Group race and he’s beaten the Coventry winner. Seamie mentioned Newmarket so we’ll get him home and let the dust settle.
“We’ll enjoy today.”
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