Promising Lead claims Curragh win

Promising Lead impressed in her Middleton Stakes win at York

The 2-1 favourite Promising Lead gave trainer Sir Michael Stoute a notable Group One win in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.

Ice Queen set a tough early pace but was overhauled by Promising Lead and Mad About You, from the Dermot Weld stable, three furlongs from home.

But Ryan Moore's mount proved too strong in the final furlong, pulling ahead of Mad About You.

She went on to win by a length and a quarter with Anna Pavlova third.

Last year's dual 1000 Guineas winner Finsceal Beo never challenged and was well down the field.

Stoute said afterwards: "She is a really big, scopey, progressive filly and improved through last year

"She started off this season winning well in a Group Three at York and she is really coming to herself.

We always thought he was good enough to win a good handicap and hopefully he can win a few more Arc Bleu's trainer Tony Martin

"She has done that well but could have done with a lead for longer and we'll have a look at the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood for her now."

Moore added: "We fancied her strongly and she saw out the mile and a quarter very well.

"She had been in front long enough and was idling but she was never in any danger."

Earlier, Arc Bleu became the first Irish-trained winner of the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, sweeping home for jockey Adrian Nicholls and trainer Tony Martin.

The seven-year-old was initially only a reserve runner but came into the field after the withdrawal of two runners on Friday.

He suffered an early knock but recovered his composure to move into contention and Nicholls guided into his mount into the perfect position to challenge late on.

Bogside Theatre, who had led from the start, and Halla San were battling it out at the head of the field but Nicholls got his charge through in the closing couple of strides for a famous win.

"That was brilliant," said Martin after the win. "I can't say how pleased I was when we got in as a reserve.

"We decided to have a go at this race at the beginning of the year. We had considered the Ascot Stakes but thought two-and-a-half miles might be too far.

"We always thought he was good enough to win a good handicap and hopefully he can win a few more."

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Audi Pretty Polly Stakes (Curragh)
1. Promising Lead (R L Moore) 2-1 Fav
2. Mad About You (PJ Smullen) 9-2
3. Anna Pavlova (JE Moriarty) 10-1
9 ran

John Smith's Northumberland Plate (Newcastle)
1. Arc Bleu (A Nicholls) 14-1
2. Halla San (P Hanagan) 16-1
3. Bogside Theatre (D O'Donohoe) 10-1
4. Akarem (D Sweeney) 50-1
18 ran