Caspian Prince battles gamely to win the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh
Caspian Prince was having his 73rd run of his career at the Curragh where he showed great heart to beat Marsha after being headed by the favourite in the closing stages
CASPIAN PRINCE denied Marsha in a thrilling finish to the Friarstown Stud Sapphire Stakes.
Marsha was a red-hot 1-2 favourite to regain the winning thread after managing only third behind brilliant American sprinter Lady Aurelia when strongly fancied for the King's Stand at Royal Ascot.
All appeared to be going to plan when Luke Morris eased Marsha to the front over a furlong out, but Caspian Prince showed tremendous battling qualities in the hands of Declan McDonogh to get back up by a short head.
McDonogh said: "He's a battler, he's tough. He goes a good gallop and keeps finding plenty.
"The mare came to me and he battled and didn't want to be denied.
"Once I gave him a couple of cracks he was game and genuine.";
Earlier on in the card, Actress provided Aidan O'Brien with an 11th victory in the Jebel Ali Silver Jubilee Anglesey Stakes.
She disputed the early running with Brother Bear and Theobald in the centre of the track and as 9-10 favourite Brother Bear hung left to the rail, Actress (7-1) stayed on a true line and came home a length and three-quarters to the good over Theobald.
Winning rider Seamie Heffernan said: "I rode her last week over five and I thought they didn't go quick enough for me as I thought she was an out-and-out sprinter.
"I didn't think she'd see out the (six-furlong) trip as well today, but I kept her at it.
"If they have a bit of pace and want to go forward it's better to leave them at it. I was fairly confident after giving her one tap it was mine."