Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes (Group 1)

HOLLIE Doyle broke yet more new ground at the Curragh on Sunday when becoming the first female rider to win a Group 1 on the flat in Ireland, as Bradsell blazed his way to success in the Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes.

The Archie Watson-trained speedball was in no mood to be denied as 2/1 favourite, following up his recent win in the Coolmore Nunthrope Stakes and managing to confirm the form of that York encounter with Believing. The George Boughey-trained runner-up again was likely undone by her low draw here but posted a big effort in defeat.

Overall, it ended up being a highly lucrative €400,000 contest for the British raiders. Makarova (Ed Walker), Kerdos (Clive Cox), Washington Heights (Kevin Ryan) and Desperate Hero (Jack Channon) helped to fill the first six places for the visitors, with Bucanero Fuerte (Adrian Murray) best of the home team in seventh.

Watson is now looking forward to an international campaign to end the season with the Victorious Racing-owned winner, who confirmed his standing as the top senior sprinter in training across Britain and Ireland.

“It was pretty easy watching because there wasn't really a moment where you had any worries - he was imperious,” said the winning trainer.

“He never looked like being beaten, kicked clear and did it very well. I was surprised he wasn't favourite for the Nunthorpe last time and surprised this morning when there was a bit of negativity about the horse. I thought he was by far the best sprinter around and I hope that he's showing people that he is.

“He's just got so much speed, so much class, he's tough and he's just a pleasure to have anything to do with. He’s got quicker with time.

“There are two further races possible for him this season: the Prix de l’Abbaye, although I wouldn't want it to be horrible ground or for him to be drawn poorly. If the ground was decent and he got an all-right draw, you’d imagine he’d be hard to beat there.

“There’s also the Breeders’ Cup [Turf Sprint] at Del Mar, which should be right up his street as a very quick five. One or both of those, all being well, would be the plan.

On whether Bradsell could remain in training next year at five, Watson added: “I hope so. He’s obviously had a slightly truncated career and hasn't really had a full season yet. Judging by who else may or may not be retiring - and I’ve got probably the best two-year-old five-furlong horse in my yard with [Flying Childers Stakes winner] Asterius in terms of what’s coming through - I’d love to have this horse to run next year in this division because I think he’d be hard to beat again.”

Earlier this month, Doyle reached a landmark 1,000th career winner when getting on the scoresheet at Goodwood and has now won 11 Group 1s. Her career continues to go from strength to strength.

Watson said: “Hollie came to me a few years ago and we've both sort of grown together. Any winner, let alone Group 1 winners, mean a lot more when it's her riding for me. It's great.”