DESPITE his clear demonstration with victory in the Lotto Classic for the Governor’s Cup that he stays 2000 metres, Run Papa Run was sent off at odds of 8/1. Distinctly Irish was quite justifiably the 1/9 favourite as his 15-length victory in the Derby three weeks earlier suggested that under normal circumstances he should prove superior to his peers once again.

At the off Run Papa Run lost very little time in going to the front with Distinctly Irish in pursuit going into the clubhouse bend. It was abundantly clear, even this early in the contest, it was going to be a virtual match between the two.

Running down the backstretch, both Run Papa Run and Distinctly Irish gradually stepped up the pace to leave the rest of the field without a chance. With 1000 metres to run the rider on the favourite asked for a serious effort to overtake the leader, but the response was far from immediate and Distinctly Irish only got on terms with Run Papa Run in the final part of the home turn.

From this point, based on his superiority in the previous classics, Distinctly Irish was expected to settle the issue in a matter of strides. However, nothing of the sort materialised and the dual classic winner found himself in a battle for the first time in his short but distinguished career.

Run Papa Run gave nothing away in the stretch drive. He repelled a couple of challenges and a renewed one late to deny his game and more illustrious rival for Triple Crown glory prevailing by a neck to secure a famous victory at odds of 8/1. Sterofabulous never got close and ended up third by 11 lengths at 18/1 against.

Run Papa Run (Footloose 11 – Run Marisa Run) was ridden by Trevor Simpson, trained by Dennis Lee, and bred by Henry Jaghai.