The Group 2 Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes went to Britain for the fourth year in a row, as James’s Delight (22/1) sprung an upset under Oisin Murphy. Clive Cox’s typically progressive sprinter landed two valuable handicaps and a listed race before going close in a Group 3 last season, but had disappointed on his first two starts this term.

His competition at the Curragh included exciting Australian import Storm Boy, who was sent off 6/4 favourite on his first start for Aidan O’Brien, with Ger Lyons’ progressive four-year-old My Mate Alfie next in the betting and on ratings.

Murphy’s mount took close order behind the leaders and was asked to quicken approaching the two-furlong pole. Heading fellow British raider Lethal Levi entering the final furlong, he kept on gamely to prevail by a short head.

Big Gossey (33/1) finished an unlucky third, beaten half a length, after a hanging Lethal Levi closed a gap. Forced to switch left, the eight-year-old produced a last-gasp dash up the stands’ rail.

Speaking after the race, Oisin Murphy reported: “Clive was very happy with him. The plan was actually to get a bit of cover, but the speed wasn’t very fast and he broke well. He is a tough, game horse for very good owners, Paul and Clare Rooney.

When asked about British dominance in the sprint division, Murphy commented: “We generally have quite a lot of them and the handicap system is quite tough on them. They really have to perform in those big Saturday class two races. This guy came through that system and the guys have done a great job bringing him over here and preparing him for such a big day.”

Breeders’ delight

The Grassick family of Newtown Stud, who bred James’s Delight, were there to welcome back the winner. Cathy Grassick commented: “He was a beautiful foal and was pinhooked Cross Stables. I went back to look at him as a yearling and I actually mentioned him to Gay O’Callaghan, because he looked so like the stallion (Invincible Army). I think Gay then underbid him to Kevin and Anna Ross.

“We sent the mare back to Invincible Army off the base of this, so she has a yearling full-sister. Without producing blacktype horses, the mare has always produced a lot of highly-rated horses.”

“It’s a wonderful family. [His dam] Heavens Peak was bred by Shirley Taylor, who was involved in Alleged and has been a client of the family going back a long way.”