National Stakes glory for Eve Johnson Houghton and Zavateri

Zavateri justified the faith and bravery of his trainer Eve Johnson Houghton with a thrilling victory in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh.

Although unbeaten in three previous starts, including back-to-back Group Two wins in the July Stakes at Newmarket and Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, the Without Parole colt went on his way at 15-2 stepping into the lion’s den.

Coventry Stakes winner Gstaad was the 10-11 favourite to provide his trainer Aidan O’Brien with a 13th National Stakes success, having met with defeat for the first time when a close second to Venetian Sun in the Prix Morny, but in Zavateri he came up against a worthy and willing adversary.

The pair had it between them racing inside the final furlong, with both Gstaad and Zavateri – who looked like he might win with some authority at one point – giving their all under Christophe Soumillon and Charlie Bishop respectively.

After a brief wait, the judge confirmed Zavateri the winner by a head and while the stewards called an inquiry after some late scrimmaging, the placings were quickly upheld.

Johnson Houghton said: “He is so straightforward and is such a dude of a horse – I don’t train him, he trains me!

“This race just sat right because it was a long way from Goodwood to the Dewhurst. We wanted to find a spot in between and I didn’t want to go to the Champagne (at Doncaster) and carry another penalty.

“He’s already won a Group Two with a penalty. It’s a Group One and we are coming into Aidan’s backyard, but it was the right spot time-wise for him.

“He’s come from a long way back on sticky ground, and they have not been finishing from a long way back today. That was pretty impressive, I’d say, and Charlie has given him a beautiful ride.”

Bishop – recording the second Group One victory of his career – added: “I had to come out a bit sooner than I would have liked, but when Christophe made his move, I made my move. It was the same as Goodwood, he never knows when he’s beat.

“It’s great to have a winner at Royal Ascot, but these Group One winners are what make the difference so it’s important to deliver when you get the opportunities.”