Zorion pounces late for Listed honours at Leopardstown

Zorion got up in the closing strides to take the Glencairn Stakes at Leopardstown.

Jim Bolger had made what looked a bold move to run in the Listed contest on the back of the four-year-old’s ninth place in a six-furlong handicap at the Curragh last month, but it was one that paid off as he collared the gallant Allegio.

The latter had enjoyed himself in front from the off and only a head separated the pair at the line, as Kevin Manning drove the Godolphin-owned four-year-old to victory on his return to a mile.

Mamba Noire, a classy juvenile last year, ran with promise on her reappearance – and first try at the trip – for the Classic-winning combination of Ken Condon and Shane Foley.

Bolger said of the 100-30 winner: “Six furlongs was too short (last time). He showed plenty of boot around here over seven and I saw a nice race in the Curragh over six, but it didn’t work.

“I always felt he was up to this grade.”

He added: “I’m not sure where he’ll go next, I’ll have another look at Royal Ascot, but if I can’t find anything there it will be the Curragh (Irish Derby meeting).”

Giuseppe Garibaldi claimed his second victory in the space of a week with an authoritative display in the King George V Cup.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge was no match for the reopposing Carlo Biraghi at the Curragh last month, but impressed at Navan last Saturday and the pair were 7-4 joint-favourites for the rematch in this Listed contest.

The winner’s stablemate Lucius Tiberius disputed the early running along with Fozzy Stack’s Carlo Biraghi, but the latter dropped away tamely early in the straight.

Giuseppe Garibaldi soon loomed up ominously and kicked clear for a comfortable two-and-a-half-length success under the trainer’s son, Donnacha.

The Bolger-trained Cimeara stayed on well to beat Lucius Tiberius to the runner-up spot.

The winning rider said: “They seemed to go a nice even gallop and I got a grand position. He’s a bit awkward and still a bit babyish, but is learning and has plenty of ability.

“He stays well. I liked him last year and I thought he’d get off the mark sooner this year, but it’s just taken him a little bit. He’s a nice horse going forward.

“You could see him running in a Queen’s Vase or a King Edward VII takes (at Royal Ascot). He’s probably more a Queen’s Vase type, but I’ll leave that up to Dad.”