Few saw it coming, but Amo Racing turned the Curragh’s Aug. 9 feature races into a personal showcase, pulling off a memorable double that peaked with a Group 1 triumph.

First came Bucanero Fuerte’s polished display in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes (G3). Then, in the very next race, stable jockey David Egan capped the day with a gritty victory aboard Power Blue in the Phoenix Stakes (G1). It was a result that felt seismic for the team — and for Egan, his first Group 1 in Amo colors.

The script had suggested otherwise. The anticipated absence of unbeaten colt Gstaad seemed to pave the way for his stablemate True Love to take command. But Power Blue, sent off at 10-1, had other ideas. Tracking the 1-4 favorite throughout, Egan angled across to give his mount a target to chase. Power Blue responded with trademark fight, holding her at bay while Green Sense filled third.

Remarkably, like Bucanero Fuerte two years earlier, Power Blue had also taken the season’s first maiden in March before progressing to win the first domestic Group 1 of the year for juveniles.

“Bloody hell, it’s been a great day,” said Egan. “We went hard with the tailwind — fast fractions — and ran them into the ground. I kept my eye on the fancied one the whole way. He loves a battle, and that was key. To win my first Group 1 for Amo is huge. Kia (Joorabchian) puts so much into the game. It’s a proud day for all of us.”

Trainer Adrian Murray, who also conditions Bucanero Fuerte, called it “the best day I’ve had in racing.” He added: “Power Blue’s been improving all year. He ran brilliantly at Ascot and has never run a bad race. A furlong out, I thought she (True Love) wasn’t getting to him. He was still in his comfort zone.”

The win marked the first group-level success for freshman sire Space Blues, a Dubawi son and multiple Group 1 winner himself, including the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Meanwhile, trainer Aidan O’Brien confirmed that Gstaad, unbeaten winner of the Coventry Stakes (G2), is being aimed at the Prix Morny (G1) later this month.

Image The Curragh/Horseracing Ireland