Pat Smullen and Eshera strike gold in Platinum Stakes

Pat Smullen was at his imperious best as he landed last night’s feature races at Cork, the listed Platinum Stakes and Group 3 Give Thanks Stakes, aboard the Dermot Weld-trained duo, Eshera and Zannda, to complete a treble which he kicked off aboard the exciting Only Mine.

Eshera, in the colours of the Aga Khan, came out on top in a thrilling finish to the listed event. The well-backed favourite was ridden prominently from the outset, and always well positioned to challenge.

For much of the straight she looked likely to prevail but the field tightened up considerably and, in a pulsating finish, it was only in the very last stride that Smullen and Eshera edged ahead to deny Wychwood Warrior, Steip Amach and Akira in a four-way photo finish.