Ryan Moore‘s journey to Leopardstown in advance of the Shergar Cup was a profitable one on Thursday evening. He landed both Group race contests aboard Isaac Newton and Ethical Diamond.
Here is today’s racing news round-up as the weekend arrives.
Leopardstown: Ryan Moore lands Group race double
Ryan Moore was in terrific form at Leopardstown on Thursday evening. His highlight was partnering Breeders’ Cup hero Ethical Diamond to his first win of the season. The six-year-old stunned the world for Willie Mullins at Del Mar last season. it has been harder work for him this campaign. However, he is now back to winning ways after landing the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes in the dying strides over Green Impact. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Moore had earlier got on the scoresheet with Isaac Newton. The son of Camelot has been a work in progress for Aidan O’Brien this term, with Listed honours his highest to date. However, he stepped forward with a strong, galloping finish to land the 1m Group 3 Desmond Stakes. The three-year-old still holds some fancy entries despite a patchy career record. Ballydoyle will hope this could be a springboard to one of those: the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October. (Racing TV)
More Thunder on Bow Echo collision course
The consistent More Thunder is on a collision course with Bow Echo for his next race. William Haggas’ charge has twice been second in Group 1s this season. He was then disappointing when held up in the Group 2 Summer Mile Stakes at Ascot. With their horse freshened up since, owner Saeed Suhail’s racing manager Philip Robinson is confident “there will be no hanging around at Deauville.” (Racing Post)
Libertango to head George Boughey’s York team
As well as Bow Echo, the George Boughey yard host the highly promising Albany Stakes heroine Libertango. The No Nay Never filly lost her unbeaten record when second in Newmarket’s Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes. However, that is one of the strongest pieces of juvenile form on offer. Connections are now aiming for their own breakthrough at that level in the Lowther Stakes later this month. (Sporting Life)
JP McManus sends expensive recruit to the Skeltons
JP McManus’ 500,000 euro recruit Walkonseas has been sent into training with Dan Skelton. The New Lion was the first horse to represent both owner and trainer, securing Group 1 honours at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival before placing in both the Champion and Aintree Hurdles last season. Walkonseas comfortably won a Lisronagh point-to-point in April, with his rules debut now one of the most hotly anticipated in the sport. (Racing Post)