Vans Viking leaves it late before asserting authority

The semi-finals of the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish Laurels attracted a large crowd to Curraheen Park on Saturday night, and all who attended were treated to superb heats, in each of which the three qualifiers were covered by less than a length.

The Graham Holland-trained Vans Viking was a well-backed 2-1 chance in the first semi-final, but gave his supporters palpitations by leaving it late to assert his superiority.

Champagne Jackie is a bitch with a fantastic turn of pace to the bend, and she used that ability to lead around, with former Juvenile Classic winner Farloe Calvin in chase. The early leader held sway all the way to the homestraight, at which point she was challenged on both sides.