Friends Of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch: A Comprehensive Briefing

Executive Summary

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the Friends Of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch, a premier handicap race scheduled for September 28, 2025, at the Curragh. With a total prize value of €600,000, the race is run over a distance of 2 miles and 170 yards on turf with a “Yielding to Soft” going forecast.

The event features a competitive field of 30 runners, with analysis pointing to several key contenders. Ascending, trained by Henry de Bromhead, is highlighted as a leading claimant following a victory in the Ascot Stakes and an excellent second-place finish in the Ebor at York. The return to a marathon trip is considered a significant advantage. Filey Bay, a smart hurdler from the Emmet Mullins yard, is positioned as a chief threat, having shown considerable promise on the Flat with a decisive handicap win at Galway.

Other prominent runners expected to feature include Happy Pharoah, an improving colt who recently secured a narrow victory at Leopardstown; Tounsivator, a useful hurdler from the powerful W. P. Mullins stable who won on the Flat at Tramore; and Small Fry, who has secured a hat-trick of wins and joins the Joseph Patrick O’Brien yard in strong form.

The race dynamics are expected to be shaped by a “Strong” pace forecast, which could favor hold-up horses and test the stamina of the entire field. Trainers with strong track records in this event, including W. P. Mullins (3 wins in the last 10 runnings) and Aidan O’Brien (2 wins), are well-represented, adding further depth to an already compelling contest.

Race Overview

The Friends Of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch is a premier handicap that stands as one of the highlights of the Irish flat racing calendar.

Attribute	Detail
Race Name	Friends Of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch (Premier Handicap)
Date & Time	Sunday, 28th September 2025, 4:22 PM
Location	The Curragh, Ireland
Distance	2 miles and 170 yards
Surface	Turf
Going Forecast	Yielding to Soft
Pace Forecast	Strong
Total Prize Value	€600,000
Prize Breakdown	1st: €324,000, 2nd: €114,000, 3rd: €54,000, 4th: €24,000, 5th: €12,000, 6th: €6,000
Conditions	For horses aged 3 years and older, rated 0-110, that have run at least four times under any Rules of Racing up to August 11, 2025, and have had at least one run over 1m3f or more between August 1, 2024, and September 22, 2025.

Key Contenders Analysis

The following runners have been identified as having the strongest claims based on recent form, race conditions, and expert analysis.

Ascending (OR 99)

• Profile: 6-y-o bay gelding | Trainer: Henry De Bromhead | Jockey: W J Lee | Weight: 9-10 | Draw: 24

• Form & Rationale: Ascending has demonstrated a clear upward trajectory in 2025, winning at Cork and then delivering a career-best performance to win the Ascot Stakes over 2m4f in June. His subsequent run, an excellent second in the prestigious Ebor handicap at York (13.9f), confirms his class. He was noted as lacking the pace of the winner late on over that shorter trip, making the return to a marathon distance here a significant positive. Nudged up only 1lb for his York effort, he holds leading claims.

• Trainer’s Quote (Henry De Bromhead, after York): “It looked like Ascending was outspeeded late on. I thought he’d have quickened a bit better but he ran a blinder… This was always the plan after Royal Ascot… He’s in the Irish Cesarewitch and we’ll see.”

Filey Bay (OR 94)

• Profile: 9-y-o bay gelding | Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Jockey: Rory Mulligan (7) | Weight: 9-5 | Draw: 6

• Form & Rationale: A highly-rated hurdler (142), Filey Bay remains lightly raced on the Flat. He showed his potential with a career-best performance to win a 20-runner handicap at Galway over 16.8f in July, defeating fellow contender Mon Coeur by 4¾ lengths. That win, which came after a long absence, was described as a fine training performance. Despite a 10lb rise in the weights, he is considered a major contender with the potential for further improvement in this sphere.

• Jockey’s Quote (Alan O’Sullivan, after Galway): “I missed the break and then I got stopped a couple of times but it kind of helped me. Filey Bay settled like a dream. I got the gaps when I needed… it was what Mikey [O’Sullivan] would have done. It’s brilliant.”

Happy Pharoah (OR 98)

• Profile: 3-y-o bay colt | Trainer: Donnacha Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: Gavin Ryan | Weight: 9-0 | Draw: 8

• Form & Rationale: An improving son of American Pharoah, he has demonstrated surprising reserves of stamina and has won three of his last four starts. His most recent victory was in a 17-runner handicap at Leopardstown (13f), where he just held on to defeat Light As Air. That performance, on drying ground that suited, suggests he is a progressive stayer who could do even better next year and is a likely player in this contest as he steps up in trip.

• Jockey’s Quote (Paddy Harnett, after Leopardstown): “He had a little look when he got to the front, at the camera’s on the right-hand side, but Happy Pharoah is still young and hasn’t that much racing in him so he’ll learn.”

Tounsivator (OR 85)

• Profile: 6-y-o chestnut gelding | Trainer: W. P. Mullins | Jockey: Shane Foley | Weight: 8-10 | Draw: 20

• Form & Rationale: A useful and Grade 2 novice-winning hurdler, Tounsivator has shown his versatility by returning to the Flat. He won a 9-runner handicap at Tramore (12f) in August, picking up well to win with authority. His trainer, Willie Mullins, has a formidable record in this race. Running off an unchanged mark from his last win, he is expected to go well again.

Small Fry (OR 92)

• Profile: 4-y-o bay gelding | Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Jockey: N. M. Crosse | Weight: 9-3 | Draw: 16

• Form & Rationale: Arrives on a hat-trick, having won his last two races for his previous trainers, Gary & Josh Moore. His most recent win was a comfortable victory in a 14-runner handicap at Epsom (12f). Now with the in-form Joseph Patrick O’Brien stable, he makes his Irish debut with an interesting and progressive profile.

• Previous Trainer’s Quote (Josh Moore, after Epsom): “This little horse is doing brilliant. I thought today might be a grade too high. It was Leighton Aspell who told me to buy Small Fry and he’s been a superstar.”

Comfort Zone (OR 94)

• Profile: 6-y-o bay gelding | Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Jockey: Declan McDonogh | Weight: 9-5 | Draw: 10

• Form & Rationale: He ran well back on the Flat when finishing third in the Ascot Stakes over 2m4f. His trainer mentioned the Cesarewitch as a target after that performance. While his subsequent runs at Galway and Leopardstown were less impressive, his stable is in good form and he should not be written off, particularly returning to a marathon trip.

• Jockey’s Quote (Tom Marquand, after Ascot): “Comfort Zone ran super, thought for a moment we might close on those leaders, but the ground was probably just on the sharper side for him.”

Other Noteworthy Runners

Horse	Draw	Age	Wgt	Trainer	Rationale
Queenstown	11	5	10-1	A P O’Brien	Course winner who ran an excellent third in the Ebor at York. Looks competitive if he can shrug off a subsequent lesser effort in the Irish St Leger.
Helvic Dream	31	8	9-12	Noel Meade	A former Group 1 winner, he has been running well in competitive handicap hurdles and put in a respectable effort at Leopardstown last time. Trainer is in good form.
Aeronautic	12	4	9-8	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Has posted creditable efforts in good handicaps at Ascot, Goodwood, and Leopardstown. Represents an in-form yard and is shortlisted as a contender.
Dawn Rising	14	8	9-8	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	A C&D winner who ran an encouraging fourth at Galway last time out. Worth consideration based on the pick of his form.
Nurburgring	15	5	9-6	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	A very useful and versatile performer who was a good second in the Ascot Stakes and has performed well over fences at the Cheltenham Festival. Not to be written off.
Too Bossy For Us	13	4	9-2	W P Mullins	Bounced back from a disappointing run at Galway with a respectable third at Leopardstown. The return to a longer trip is a positive. Merits consideration.
Puturhandstogether	30	4	8-7	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	A course winner who recently ran a very good second in a handicap hurdle at Listowel just days ago. Now reverted to the Flat, he should go well again. (RESERVE)
Light As Air	17	3	8-7	A P O’Brien	A course winner and half-brother to a St Leger winner, he was a very good second to Happy Pharoah last time. Expected to be a strong contender. (RESERVE)

Race Dynamics & Historical Context

Pace Analysis

The Timeform pace forecast for the race is “Strong”. A strong pace over this marathon distance will place a significant emphasis on stamina. This dynamic may benefit hold-up horses who can conserve energy before launching a late challenge. The “Specific Pace Hint” suggests that a strong pace could make a horse like Light As Air vulnerable to a closer such as Ascending.

Historical Winners (2014-2024)

An analysis of recent winners provides insight into successful profiles for this race. Trainer W. P. Mullins has an exceptional record, winning three of the last ten renewals. Aidan O’Brien has also been successful with two winners in that period.

Year	Winner	Age	Weight	SP	Trainer	Jockey
2024	THE EUPHRATES	3	9-2	7/2F	Aidan O’Brien, Ireland	Ryan Moore
2023	MAGELLAN STRAIT (IRE)	4	9-4	150/1	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	H. J. Horgan (7)
2022	WATERVILLE (IRE)	3	8-9	5/1F	Aidan O’Brien, Ireland	W. M. Lordan
2021	LINE OUT (IRE)	9	8-9	18/1	John E. Kiely, Ireland	Shane Foley
2020	CAPE GENTLEMAN (IRE)	4	9-0	15/2	Emmet Mullins, Ireland	R. P. Whelan
2019	ROYAL ILLUSION (IRE)	7	8-12	10/1	W. P. Mullins, Ireland	J. M. Sheridan (7)
2018	BRAZOS (USA)	4	8-12	16/1	John Joseph Murphy	Shane Foley
2017	LORD ERSKINE (IRE)	4	8-5	25/1	Harry Rogers, Ireland	C. P. Hoban
2016	LAWS OF SPIN (IRE)	3	8-6	7/1	W. P. Mullins, Ireland	C. D. Hayes
2015	DIGEANTA (IRE)	8	9-10	16/1	W. P. Mullins, Ireland	William James Lee
2014	EL SALVADOR (IRE)	5	9-12	25/1	Aidan O’Brien, Ireland	Donnacha O’Brien (7)

Full Field Overview

Note: Shoda (21) and Highwind (27) are listed as Non-Runners. Intellotto (31), Puturhandstogether (32), and Light As Air (33) are Reserves.

No.	Horse Name	Dr	Age	Wgt	OR	Trainer	Timeform Verdict	BF
1	Tashkhan	21	7	10-2	105	Brian Ellison	Below par this term after 10 months off. Not easy to make a case for.	200/1
2	Chally Chute	5	7	10-1	104	Ross O’Sullivan	Course winner. First run for new yard when landing a listed race. Considered.	33/1
3	London City	22	4	10-1	104	Aidan O’Brien	Well beaten at Leopardstown last time. Difficult ask.	80/1
4	Queenstown	11	5	10-1	104	Aidan O’Brien	Excellent third in the Ebor. Looks competitive if shrugging off latest effort.	40/1
5	Helvic Dream	31	8	9-12	101	Noel Meade	Respectable 7th at Leopardstown, not ideally placed. Ought to be thereabouts.	40/1
6	Poetic Sound	2	4	9-11	100	G. M. Lyons	Well beaten last time out. Off 121 days. Not taken lightly if back on his A-game.	33/1
7	Ascending	24	6	9-10	99	Henry de Bromhead	On the up this year, excellent second in Ebor. Holds leading claims.	10/1
8	Shackleton	26	3	9-9	107	Aidan O’Brien	Course winner. Fifth in Lonsdale Cup. Makes handicap debut with more needed.	33/1
9	Aeronautic	12	4	9-8	97	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Creditable third at Leopardstown. One for the shortlist.	22/1
10	Dawn Rising	14	8	9-8	97	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	C&D winner. Worth consideration on pick of form.	40/1
11	Sea Of Sands	19	7	9-7	96	W. P. Mullins	Useful winner over hurdles. No forlorn hope back in this sphere.	25/1
12	Falcon Eight	25	10	9-6	95	D. K. Weld	Course winner. Respectable 10th at Galway. Unreliable individual.	66/1
13	Mr Percy	23	5	9-6	95	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Course winner. Useful over hurdles. Sixteenth in Ebor. More is needed.	28/1
14	Nurburgring	15	5	9-6	95	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Very useful and versatile performer. Not one to write off back on the level.	20/1
15	Comfort Zone	10	6	9-5	94	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Not seen to best effect last time. Shouldn’t be written off.	66/1
16	Filey Bay	6	9	9-5	94	Emmet Mullins	Career best when winning at Galway. Very much one to consider despite 10 lb hike.	25/1
17	Sixandahalf	7	5	9-4	93	Gavin Patrick Cromwell	Below par last time. Off 116 days with more required.	11/1
18	Small Fry	16	4	9-3	92	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Landed handicap at Epsom on final run for previous yard. Not without interest.	20/1
19	Sirius	32	6	9-2	91	W. P. Mullins	Good fourth at Galway. Off 14 months but considered for top yard up in trip.	40/1
20	Too Bossy For Us	13	4	9-2	91	W. P. Mullins	Respectable third at Leopardstown. Merits consideration.	25/1
22	Tribal Star	27	4	9-1	90	Adrian McGuinness	Latest win at Dundalk in August. Solid third at Chester. Possibilities.	50/1
23	Happy Pharoah	8	3	9-0	98	Donnacha Aidan O’Brien	Improving colt, won last time at Leopardstown. A likely player.	10/1
24	Plontier	3	9	8-13	88	W. P. Mullins	Fairly useful winner over hurdles. Sixth at Galway. Can’t be totally dismissed.	50/1
25	Lord Erskine	9	12	8-12	87	H. Rogers	C&D winner. Won over hurdles recently. In the picture back on the Flat.	40/1
26	Zoffman	28	6	8-12	87	Noel Meade	Course winner. Creditable fourth over hurdles last time. In the mix.	40/1
28	Minstrel Knight	33	4	8-11	86	Edward Bethell	Creditable second at Musselburgh. No forlorn hope.	25/1
29	Mon Coeur	1	9	8-10	85	Joseph G. Murphy	Respectable fourth at Killarney. One for the shortlist.	66/1
30	Tounsivator	20	6	8-10	85	W. P. Mullins	Useful winner over hurdles. Won at Tramore last time. Can go well again.	14/1