Scorthy Champ caused an upset in the seven furlong Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday, beating the heavily backed Henri Matisse.
A debut winner over seven furlongs at Leopardstown in mid-May, Joseph O'Brien's colt ran into Henri Matisse in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes over the same course and distance as the National Stakes - finishing two lengths behind Aidan O'Brien's colt.
It was little surprise that the general feeling going into the National Stakes was that Henri Matisse could maintain his unbeaten record, but Scorthy Champ turned the tables in eye-catching fashion.
Settled in the rear by jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, Scorthy Champ made headway behind long term leader Seagulls Eleven at the two furlong marker, hitting the front with a furlong to go. Henri Matisse made up late ground but struggled to get past his rival, finishing three-quarters of a length behind at the line. Seagulls Eleven held on for third.
In an interview with O'Brien: "It's a special day. I'm really happy with the horse and it was a fantastic ride from Dylan," said the winning trainer.
"He had a really good debut and the form of that maiden worked out really well. He came back here the last day off a lay-off and we knew whatever happened that we were going to be better after the run.
"I'm not saying we'd thought we'd win today but we thought we'd run a big race and I thought he was very impressive. Dylan said he idled in front and he's a top notcher."
