Chief in command

Air Chief Marshal confirmed he was back on track with a gutsy victory in the www.thetote.com Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt made most of the running in the hands of Johnny Murtagh to follow up a win at Dundalk on Monday.

Air Chief Marshal (5-1) had lost his way after being a promising juvenile last year, but he showed all that was behind him as he saw off seasoned campaigners in admirable fashion.

He had confirmed front-runner Duff for company for most of the seven-furlong Group Three contest only to pull a length and three-quarters clear at the line. Dandy Boy plugged on for third another length and a half back.

“Johnny said he felt like a different horse the last day in Dundalk,” said O’Brien.

“He’s really come back to himself, he travelled well today and Johnny gave him a great ride.

“He was a very good two-year-old and we’ll probably go for a Group Two now.”

O’Brien and Murtagh were completing a 47-1 double having taken the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden with Misty For Me (7-1).