The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Renaissance Stakes, a Group 3 race over 1,200m for three-year-olds and up, took place at the Curragh yesterday.
The race was won by the British raider Ventura Rebel, who is trained by Richard Fahey. The three-year-old colt, who is by speedy sire Pastoral Pursuits and out of the Firebreak mare Finalize, had previously finished third in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot this summer. This was his first win at Group level and his first win as a 3-year-old having won twice at 2.
Eleven lined up in the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club-sponsored race and Ventura Rebel, who was wearing cheekpieces for the first time, sat handily on the near side, with the runners spread out across the track.
They began racing early and Ventura Rebel, under Declan McDonogh, pulled into the lead in the final 100 metres. He held of Forever In Dreams by half-a-length to win this prestigious prize. Joint-favourite Summerghand came in third.
Ventura Rebel was a £28,000 yearling at the Tattersalls Ascot Yearling Sale, bought by Frederico Barberini from Bearstone Stud. He was bred by Crossfields Bloodstock.
Declan McDonogh (left) rides Ventura Rebel to victory in the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Renaissance Stakes. (Curragh Racecourse)
