Ballydoyle: Sergei Prokofiev Beats His Elders In Cork Stakes

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Sergei Prokofiev (Scat Daddy) triumphed on his first run against older horses when taking a competitive running of the Listed Cork Stakes at Navan on Saturday.

A dual Stakes winner at two, as well as finishing third in the Coventry Stakes, the colt was sent off favourite of 15 under Donnacha O’Brien. Ridden towards the back of the field as All The King’s Men (No Nay Never) set a strong pace out in front, he quickened impressively when asked over a furlong from home and led inside the final furlong. Pushed out, he stayed on well to beat Chessman by a head.

Speaking afterwards, Donnacha O’Brien said, “He's really, really quick. He travelled very smooth and picked up well.”

The previous evening at Dundalk, Donnacha rode National Guard (War Front) to win the mile maiden by two and a half lengths.

Third on his first start of the year at Naas just days beforehand, the colt was sent off second favourite of 12 and was positioned behind the leaders. Making a challenge between horses a furlong and a half from home, he led inside the final furlong and strode out well to the line.