Login
WATCH FREE
Zahrann advertises big-race credentials in Royal Whip
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 16 Aug 2025
Zahrann produced a tremendous display to regain the winning thread and lead home a Johnny Murtagh one-two in the Newbridge Silverware Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh.
Impressive when winning twice earlier in the season, he missed out on a hat-trick when narrowly denied by Ralph Beckett’s Amiloc in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Despite the defeat, he left the Royal meeting with his reputation firmly enhanced, and as such was sent off 2-1 second-favourite behind Aidan O’Brien’s odds-on market leader Los Angeles in his quest to get back to winning ways in this Group Three event.
Hear what Johnny Murtagh had to say after Zahrann's impressive victory.
It was Murtagh’s 300-1 outsider Tangapour who led the field into the final quarter-mile, but when Zahrann’s jockey Ben Coen asked his mount to bravely squeeze up his stablemate’s inner to make his winning run, he found a willing ally who displayed a race-winning turn of foot close home.
He finished two-lengths clear of Tangapour who in turn tenaciously held off Joseph O’Brien’s Galen for second, with Los Angeles unable to land a telling blow in fourth.
And having passed this stern examination of his credentials, Murtagh is now excited to test Zahrann in Group One company, as he sets his sights on a run in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes on September 13.
Murtagh said: “We wanted to see where we stood today. Ben went the brave man’s route today, got the gap and he quickened up.
Trainer Johnny Murtagh was delighted with Zahrann (Niall Carson/PA)
“I haven’t spoken to anybody yet, but hopefully we’ll be able to go for the Irish Champion. Today was the test.
“It looked in Ascot like he was a little bit slow, but I think a strong mile and a quarter should suit him around Leopardstown. He has to improve again, but he might.
“He’s a very relaxed horse that doesn’t show much at home and is learning on the job. He’s a typical Aga Khan horse and reminds me a bit of Sinndar that when he clicks into gear someday, he might realise how good he is.
“He’s still underdeveloped and I think he could be a really nice four-year-old.”
Join The Lost Sock on his journey as a juvenile
Claim a free share in Racing TV's new Syndicate horse in partnership with Raceshare. Click here for more details.
Related posts
Under The Radar: Paddy Magee nominates three to follow
Ross Millar's Monday tips: "he is undeniably well handicapped"
William Buick set to be reunited with Touleen at Ascot
Bond Thoroughbreds: the inside track on their top team
Trustyourinstinct flies home to land Curragh Cup
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved