O’Brien moves seven clear in title race

Joseph O’Brien moved seven ahead of Pat Smullen, 85-78, in the title-race when providing his trainer-father Aidan with a birthday double at the Curragh yesterday.

Hot-pot Kingdom need strong handling from the teenager to land the opening two-year-old maiden, making most of the running before holding the late challenge of Pay Day Kitten by a neck.

“He’s tough and genuine and stays well,” was the rider’s post race comment before completing his double on three-year-old debutant Sidereus Nuncius in the Curragh Membership 2013 Maiden, from which morning favourite Muntasaf was a notable absentee.