Leopardstown Overcome by Profound Beauty

On Sunday, 30 May 2010, the Leopardstown Racecourse came alive with nail-biting horse racing action during the running of the Seamus and Rosemary McGrath Memorial Saval Beg Stakes. This anticipated event is held for four-year-old horses and older, and drew a star studded list of contenders. Age Of Aquarius, trained by Aiden O’Brian, was sent off as the race favorite, but to the surprise of spectators, Profound Beauty entered the race with fierce determination and snatched the victory away from Age Of Aquarius.

Profound Beauty trainer, Dermot Weld, has enjoyed previous victories at the Seamus & Rosemary McGrath Memorial Saval Beg Stakes and watched silently as his mare, together with jockey Pat Smullen, was loaded into the starting gates. Throughout the race Smullen kept the front runners in his sights, especially after Johnny Murtagh moved Age Of Aquarius into the leading position, pushing race leader Donegal into second place. It was evident that Smullen had a lot of horse left by the time they reached the halfway mark, as both horse and jockey looked relaxed and calm from start to finish. As the field turned the last corner to head into the home stretch, Smullen asked Profound Beauty to delve into her reserves and moved into the leading position. Profound Beauty crossed the finish line in first position at Leopardstown, with Age Of Aquarius having to settle for second position.

Aiden O’Brian was not discouraged by Age Of Aquarius’ performance, commenting that they would now be looking towards Ascot and preparing to participate in the Gold Cup, which will be hosted on 17 June 2010. It is hoped that Profound Beauty will be able to continue with her training and remain healthy as Dermot Weld would like to enter her into the Melbourne Cup. Smullen only had praise for Profound Beauty, commenting: “I think all those staying races are open to her now. I think she’s even better now than she was last year and if anything she’s probably getting a shade quicker. She’s a great advertisement for keeping older horses in training.” Profound Beauty delivered a breathtaking performance and fans will be supporting her whole heartedly until her racing career comes to an end in November.