THE Curragh’s meeting last Saturday was a little low-key compared to some events elsewhere, but a Group 3 and a listed race provided a bit of class. The former - the Ballyogan Stakes - was one of four races at six-furlongs and comfortably the fastest, with British challenger Divine stopping the clock at 72.21s, equivalent to a timefigure of 105. The five-year-old mare had come up short in group races last year and handicaps this, but did seem to take a step forward here.

Portage won the 10-furlong listed race in much the same time as Qatari Hunter managed in landing a three-year-old handicap soon after. Even with the latter looking to be a colt going places, that comparison is not a flattering one: Portage gets a timefigure of just 60, with sectionals confirming that this was a sprint finish.