Buick initiative pays off in farcical Ormonde
The Group Three event was run at a farcical crawl with Buick, Richard Hughes aboard Scintillo and Johnny Murtagh on the 8-11 favourite Frozen Fire all reluctant to make the running.
Buick initially hacked along in front and only turned the screw with half a mile left to run.
His mount, a 15-8 chance, opened a gap which never looked like being reduced and Buick crossed the line three-lengths clear of Scintillo, with last year’s Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire last of the trio.
Buick said: “I knew Richard Hughes wouldn’t go on but I thought Johnny might and my horse has won a lot of races being held up.
“I took the initiative and controlled the race completely throughout.
“I was pleased with the way he quickened and knew three furlongs out that we would probably win.”
Balding added: “We were pretty convinced that Johnny Murtagh would go on, but when no-one wanted to make it William had enough sense to take the bull by the horns.
“To be honest I fancied him however the race was run as he has improved a lot.
“The owners are over from Australia so he will go to the Coronation Cup now and deserves to take his chance.”
Murtagh dismounted to boos and heckles from angry punters, having also lost out when a staying-on second aboard hot favourite Masterofthehorse 24 hours earlier.
He said: “There were eight runners but five came out so it was always going to be tactical.
“Aidan (O’Brien) said to drop him in as it was his first run of the season, and to let him go round on the bridle.
“I didn’t think there would be much pace but I didn’t think it would be as slow as that.”
