Yorkshire take the Commonwealth Cup as Inisherin blazes to victory for Eaves and Ryan

Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin stormed to success in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup on day four of Royal Ascot.

It’d already been a successful week for owner, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, having had Rosallion strike in the St James’s Palace Stakes on Tuesday, and his week has got better with his colours carried to victory once more. It was Kevin Ryan’s star, Inisherin, who showed class to dominate his rivals in the Commonwealth Cup.

Having won the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes in exquisite fashion just a month previous, Inisherin set off 9/4 favourite and duly justified favouritism with a fine display in front of the packed Ascot grandstand. Tom Eaves eased his mount and settled behind the leaders before powering clear one furlong out. In a matter of strides, the race was offer with Lake Forest his nearest rival two-and-a-quarter lengths behind.

Eaves, who has partnered Inisherin in his three victories , said: “He’s a machine. He’s some unit of a horse. Look how long it took for him to pull up. He’s got a lot of class and he’s very quick. I’m very lucky to be riding him. I’ve ridden lots of good sprinters and now I’ve found another one.”

“Everything went to plan, although they didn’t really take him quite as far into the race as we may have hoped,” Ryan said. “He’s got speed and stamina – don’t forget he ran well in the 2,000 Guineas – and is a pleasure to train. He has a fantastic temperament. He never gives you a moment’s worry and the July Cup will be next.

“His owner [Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum] likes to keep his horses in training – he enjoys watching them race – and there is every chance he’ll race as a four-year-old.”

The July Cup looks likely to be his next target.