Ballingarry triumphs in Canadian International

Dual Irish Classic third Ballingarry dramatically spread-eagled his field by around four lengths to land the Canadian International, the latest leg of the World Series, at Woodbine on Sunday night.

Mick Kinane had Aidan O’Brien’s charge in the box seat behind leader Yavana’s Pace, trained by Mark Johnston, throughout the early exchanges in the mile and a half event.

As the field entered the straight Kinane gave his mount the office and he quickly put daylight between himself and his seven rivals.

Favourite Falcon Flight gave chase passing Yavana’s Pace in the straight but failed to make a dent in Ballingarry’s advantage.

The Irish Derby and St Leger third simply strode on past the line to land the £387,931 first prize and take 12 points in the World standings.

Johnston’s other runner Zindabad, who finished third last year, could only manage fifth this time round two spots behind his stablemate.

Germany’s Paolini was a place behind after a tardy start but the star of the show was Ballingarry who gave his trainer some consolation following the defeat of Hawk Wing in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

After the Grade One event Kinane admitted he was pleased with the way the race panned out.

“He’s got plenty of stamina,” the jockey said.

“The plan was to make it or sit very close to the lead depending on the pace.

“I knew Yavana’s Pace would want to lead so I sat in behind because I knew my horse could pick up the pace.

“As we entered the straight I said ’go on’ and he ran on really well.”