Historic Victory for Los Angeles: Irish Derby Champion Overcomes Group One Penalty to Win the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, Positioning as Favorite for the St Leger
The prominence of Los Angeles keeps increasing following his determined victory in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, after triumphing in the Irish Derby.
Finishing third behind his Ballydoyle stablemate City Of Troy at Epsom, Aidan O'Brien's Camelot progeny achieved his own Classic victory at the Curragh in the Irish Derby on his latest outing.
Entering this Group Two event, he was dispatched as the 5-4 favorite with Ryan Moore riding, becoming the first horse to clinch the Knavesmire contest while carrying a penalty.
Tough cookie 💪
Irish Derby champion Los Angeles holds on in a thrilling conclusion to the @SkyBet Great Voltigeur, representing Ryan Moore, Aidan O'Brien, and @Ballydoyle.
The first horse to win this race with a Group One penalty since 1990! @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/VXucYIV1Mh
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 21, 2024
Los Angeles settled into third position while the O'Brien-trained duo, Euphoric and Illinois, led the field. Once urged to close the gap to his stablemates, he responded to Moore's prompts, making his way to the front.
The challengers approached from all angles, with Los Angeles needing to exert maximum effort inside the final furlong. Despite the determined efforts of runner-up Illinois and Harry Charlton's King's Gambit, neither could surpass Moore and his steadfast companion, with Los Angeles clinging to victory by a neck.
Following his impressive performance, Paddy Power has made him the 5-2 outright favourite for the St Leger. However, it remains uncertain which direction his connections will choose for him in the autumn.
