Vespertilio pips My Mate Alfie in Dash thriller

Vespertilio edged out last year’s winner My Mate Alfie in a thrilling finish to the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes at the Curragh.

One of Willie McCreery’s stable stars, Verspertilio was not beaten far in the Greenlands Stakes over this course and distance last time out but was given a more patient ride this time around by Dylan Browne McMonagle.

As Ger Lyons’ My Mate Alfie produced his customary honest challenge from up near the pace, Browne McMonagle found himself towards the rear of the field as the race began to develop, but he had a willing partner as the daughter of Night Of Thunder quickly weaved her way to within striking distance.

It was soon left to the the 2-1 favourite to fight out the conclusion with her main market rival My Mate Alfie, with just a short head separating them at the finish, as Vespertilio tasted success for the first time since claiming the Debutante Stakes as a two-year-old.

McCreery said: “She needs cover and lots of speed. Dylan was very patient and said when she hit the front she thought she had everything done and pulled herself up.

“I’m delighted to get her back in the winner’s enclosure. She won a Group Two here as a two-year-old and was third in a French Guineas.

“It was hard to persuade the owners to bring her back to six furlongs as she had such good form over a mile, but it has paid off – Night Of Thunder puts loads of speed into them, the important thing is to switch her off early.

“We might go for the Maurice De Gheest. She has a French breeder premium so she gets another bonus on top if she does well over there.”