Well backed Laughil Blake delivers in spades as ‘Night of Stars’ again lives up to its billing

Derby champ Laughil Blake and the immensely talented Droopys Nidge gave further credence, if it were needed, to the ‘Night of Stars’ moniker as they produced stellar performances on Saturday at Shelbourne Park.

All eyes were on Laughil Blake in the 550, and the well-backed odds-on shot delivered in spades. Trained by Michael O’Donovan for Mary and Paul Jennings, the 4-6 favourite was foot-perfect at traps, posting a sizzling 3.31 sectional to lead around from the well-drawn Sidarian Blaze.

Much to the credit of the latter, he put it up to the leader, but Laughil Blake was, arguably, in even better form than when winning our premier classic, and he stayed on strongly to claim the €10,000 winner’s prize by a couple of lengths, in 29.45.