However, if I base a comparison of them on the last seven furlongs I come up with another solid group class rating for Parish Hall (28-pace adjusted 38).

One noteworthy aspect of Parish Hall’s win was the speed he showed over the final three furlongs. He was 0.66 of a second behind the leader as they passed the three furlong pole and they got home from there in 32.66 seconds. He ran the final three furlongs in a tremendously fast 32 seconds flat.

I concede that the final three furlongs at the Curragh is either wrongly measured or (more likely) slightly downhill. However, 32 seconds for the last three furlongs of a 10-furlong race, whatever the early gallop or track layout, is still quite something.

The speed that enabled Parish Hall to win the Dewhurst Stakes as a two-year-old is clearly still there.

Big Objective

I can understand that the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes is likely to be Parish Hall’s big objective just like last season. 

However, I’d like to see him given a shot at the QEII later on. It could be that the shorter distance of the Ascot race will suit him better seeing the pace he showed here in the closing stages.

I’d also like to see him given a chance in a big international race where his preference for firm ground and ability to sprint at the business end will be big pluses.

The runner-up Afternoon Sunlight (28-pace adjusted 38) was gifted a very easy lead and was able to kick on at a tremendous pace turning into the straight and keep on running thanks to saving so much energy early. 

You could therefore argue that her proximity to the winner flatters her. However, I never like that sort of reasoning. 

Besides, Afternoon Sunlight had won both her previous starts this season, including a Group 3. I’m not going to downgrade her simply because she happens to be a front-runner.