Inisherin Takes The Duke of York
Inisherin, the yard’s star performer last season, returned to action at York and delivered a very pleasing performance. Group 1 winning form as a 3yo may’ve led to an early exit from the sport and into the breeding world but sportingly owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum stated the sprinter would be backs a 4yo. Inisherin overcame the first hurdle as he battled to win the 6f Group 2 Duke of York on the opening day of the Dante festival.
Inisherin had a lot thrown at him in a short period last year. Having only run once as a juvenile, in October, he started 2024 by wining a mile novice at Newcastle. Blowing away his rivals, that performance prompted a tilt at the 2000 Guineas. He ran a huge race, cruising into contention, before the gas tank just ran dry in the latter stages. Showing the ability to mix it with the top 3yo’s and natural speed, Inisherin would dropped into the sprinting division, which would prove a masterstroke.
After lowering the colours of Vandeek in the Sandy Lane, Inisherin shot to favouritism for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. For many he was one of the bankers of the meeting and the race proved to be easy watching. Travelling powerfully into the race, he then shot clear over a furlong out and stormed to an emphatic 2 1/2 length win. Inisherin was seen as the horse who could take control of the sprinting division but his subsequent two runs didn’t match his Ascot performance. Although disappointed with the results, it was easy to forgive with a mixture of ground, track and the horse’s maturity all reasons for his defeats. He had a lot of big questions thrown at him in a short space of time and another winter would duo nothing but help the colt develop into the finished article.
York was the obvious starting point for Inisherin but his prep was not straight forward. A small wind issue was sorted out but that meant the time frame was therefore shortened and with unusual weather there was no chance of getting him any for a race course gallop. Whilst happy with his star sprinter, Kevin would later admit to a few nerves of just how tuned up Inisherin was. It is hard enough returning after a break in any grade of race, but even more so at this level.
Ryan Moore, arguably the best jockey of his generation, took the ride and produced a masterclass. The stalls weer positioned on the far side of the track, which meant Inisherin would be on the far rail from stall 1. He jumped well and was to the fore immediately but Ryan didn’t force him to go forward. As the leader began to set a strong gallop, Ryan just tucked in behind giving his mount a chance to settle against the 42mph gallop.
There was no hanging about and the field all congregated towards the far side. With the pace not letting up they would be quickly on down to half way. Ryan just began to nudge and niggle Inisherin along, keeping tabs on the leaders before asking for his effort run the latter stages. All 8 runners were still in with a chance as the leader continued to press on in front.
Getting organised, Inisherin needed some urging to begin his run. Ryan got a bit more serious as they moved inside the 2f marker. The leader was now starting to weaken, in doing so just wandered off a true line. This left a lovely gap up the rail for Inisherin if he could prove strong enough to take it.
It seemed to take an age for Inisherin to really hit top gear but he got his head in front just after they passed the 1f pole. As soon as he did they was a strong challenge from the filly Flora Of Bermuda, who came bursting through. She seemed to have overcome the favourite when quickly pulling alongside, and looking as though she had the momentum. Although Ryan had been working away since the halfway point, he had kept a little something up his sleeve. It would require a gutsy last 1/2f from Inisherin but the colt stuck his head out and found again. Stretching out his stride, Inisherin kept on well to score by a neck.
Inisherin did great to win on his return and this is just the first box ticked for 2025. Whilst visually it may not be his most dominant display, he had to overcome plenty to win at York. With a preparation disjointed, it is easy to think that Inisherin is only about 80% there. It is also his first run of the year and he has really developed over the winter, packing on even more muscle. One thing he never had to do last year was to overcome a deficit. When he won it was with ease and did so by dominating. Here he took a lead, had to quicken past the leader and then dug deep to gain the win. Royal Ascot will be the next stop and Inisherin looks to be one of the leading players on paper. His season will pretty much be mapped out and hopefully Inisherin can prove to be the best sprinter of 2025.