Duff holds on for Cork spoils

Duff cast aside a lengthy absence to take Listed honours in the Platinum Stakes at Cork.

Edward Lynam’s five-year-old, who had been off the track for 293 days, made all the running to defeat Mr Medici in a pulse-chasing finish.

The Kevin Prendergast-trained runner-up arrived from another parish inside the final furlong but was a short head adrift of the Fran Berry-ridden winner at the line.

Duff is no stranger to British racegoers, having finished second in the Group Two Park Stakes at Doncaster last September.

The Spinning World gelding also won the City of York Stakes at last year’s Ebor meeting on the Knavesmire – to where he is likely to return later this month.

“That was hard on the heart,” said a relieved Lynam.

“I thought he was going to win by two lengths, but Fran gave him a super ride. He’s a real warrior as he’s had so many setbacks. If he bounces out over seven furlongs and you take a pull, he seems to be cruising.

“But he’s a bit like a diesel car – it takes him a while to hit top gear.

“I’d love to go back to York for the seven-furlong race that he won last year.”