BABOUCHE IS SHOCK WINNER

BABOUCHE downed hotpot Whistlejacket in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh – and return Ger Lyons to the Group 1 limelight.

- DAVID YATES

The Co Meath trainer claimed two Irish Classics in 2020 as Siskin captured the Irish 2,000 Guineas before Even So’s triumph in the Irish Oaks.

Punters made Babouche the 5-2 second favourite to give Lyons his fifth victory at the top level as Aidan O’Brien’s colt Whistlejacket dominated the betting at 8-13.

But the Ryan Moore ridden favourite, pestered in the lead by eventual third Arizona Blaze, was powerless to resist the challenge of Colin Keane and Babouche approaching the last of the contest’s six furlongs.