Irish Derby hero Los Angeles triumphs in Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, becoming the first in over three decades to win carrying a Group One penalty.
The star of Los Angeles continues to ascend as the Irish Derby winner showcased a determined victory in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.
After finishing third behind his Ballydoyle stablemate City Of Troy at Epsom, Aidan O'Brien's Camelot offspring secured his own Classic victory in the Irish Derby at the Curragh on his most recent outing.
Entered into this Group Two event, he went off as the 5-4 favorite with Ryan Moore riding, becoming the first horse to win the Knavesmire contest carrying a penalty.
Tough cookie 💪
Irish Derby champion Los Angeles holds on in a thrilling conclusion to the @SkyBet Great Voltigeur for Ryan Moore, Aidan O'Brien, and @Ballydoyle.
The first horse since 1990 to win this race while carrying a Group One penalty! Check it out on @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/VXucYIV1Mh
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 21, 2024
Los Angeles settled into third place as the O'Brien-trained duo, Euphoric and Illinois, led the field. However, once prompted to close the gap on his stablemates, he responded to Moore's encouragements and maneuvered his way to the front.
Challenges arose from every direction as Los Angeles dug deep inside the final furlong. Despite the best efforts of runner-up Illinois and Harry Charlton's King's Gambit, neither could surpass Moore and his determined partner, who held on by a neck.
Paddy Power made him the 5-2 outright favourite for the St Leger in the aftermath, but the direction his connections will take in the autumn remains uncertain.
