Cesarewitch glory for Minsk

MINSK justified favouritism in the Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch in impressive style at the Curragh yesterday, highlight of a superb treble for trainer John Oxx.

Raised 12lb. for a recent win on the track and ridden by crack apprentice Sam James, the Dalakhani gelding powered clear to slam Cry For The Moon by five and a half lengths, repaying part of the hefty purchase price paid recently by Barry Connell as a dual-purpose investment.

Wearing Connell’s colours for the first time, Minsk stalked the leaders early in the straight before cruising into the lead and stretching clear to triumph in the style of a rapidly improving three-year-old.