Snellen strikes Group Three gold with gutsy Meld success

Snellen fended off the late challenge of hot favourite Purview to win the Group Three Boylesports Meld Stakes at Leopardstown.

All eyes were on the Dermot Weld-trained Purview, who was sent off the 4-6 market leader under Colin Keane after chasing home subsequent Eclipse winner Delacroix in a Derby Trial at this track back in May.

However, it was the 16-1 shot Snellen who came home a short-head winner for trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Shane Foley after a thrilling duel in the final furlong.

While Snellen came from last to lead at the business end, Keane momentarily struggled to find a run aboard the favourite and although Purview gave his all when clear, Snellen was just too game and held on at the line.

Foley said: “She ran well the last day in Royal Ascot and it worked out lovely for her today in a small field. She likes taking her time and coming at them.

“She picked up better than I expected at the bottom of the straight and I said I may keep the momentum going. Colin was coming back at me late on, but she toughed it out well.

“It was a nice spare to pick up, but I’d say Gary (Carroll) will be back on her the next day.”