Scorthy Champ secured a win over Henri Matisse at Curragh

Scorthy Champ scored a surprising victory over the previously unbeaten Henri Matisse in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at Curragh.

Henri Matisse, who had won his first three starts for Aidan O’Brien—including a clear-cut victory in the Group Two Futurity Stakes at the Curragh three weeks ago—was the 5-6 favourite to make it four in a row on his Group One debut. However, his tendency to veer off course was evident again and this time, it proved costly.

Joseph O’Brien’s Scorthy Champ, who had finished third in the Futurity Stakes after a slow start, was a 12-1 outsider for the rematch. He had shown promise on his debut at Leopardstown in mid-May and made a more alert start this time around. After taking the lead, he maintained a straight path, while Henri Matisse, under pressure, wandered from side to side and finished three-quarters of a length behind.

British raider Seagulls Eleven, trained by Hugo Palmer, showed considerable potential by finishing third.

Winning trainer Joseph O’Brien said, "Today is really special. I’m delighted with the horse and it was a fantastic ride from Dylan. He had a strong debut and the form of that maiden has worked out very well. After a lay-off, we knew he’d be better for the run."

"We weren’t necessarily expecting to win today, but we thought he’d run a big race and he was very impressive. Dylan mentioned that he idled in front, and he’s certainly a top-class horse."

Aidan O’Brien, who also trained the fourth-placed Cowardofthecounty, remarked, "Both colts are high-class, but Scorthy Champ might have a bit more brilliance. I was pleased with Cowardofthecounty’s performance; he didn’t have the best run, and I believe he’ll be better than what we saw today."

When asked about Scorthy Champ’s future, O’Brien said, "I’m not certain, but I’d guess he’ll race again this year. He had an unexpected mid-season break due to a minor setback, so I expect we’ll see him again this year. I view him more as a miler, so he could target the Lagardère or the Breeders’ Cup."

O’Brien senior added that Henri Matisse had not been significantly diminished by his defeat: "He’s still a young horse, mentally immature despite his physical maturity. He showed similar behaviour as before, jinking when he got to the front. I knew Joseph fancied Scorthy Champ, and it was a good race overall."