FOUR FOR VINNIE

By Sarah Whitelaw
20 September 2004


The Curragh on Saturday saw history being made. For it was four straight Irish St Leger wins for Vinnie Roe.

The six year old entire was beaten in both of his previous starts this season. Both times saw the bay carry ten stone plus, giving the winners five pounds or more.

Vinnie Roe started joint favourite for the Curragh race-like the French Leger it is open to older horses-with last year's English St Leger winner Brian Boru.

He won the 14 furlong race by over two lengths over his market rival, with Lonsdale Stakes winner First Charter half a length back in third.

Vinnie Roe, who also won the French St Leger in 2001, was ridden by champion Irish jockey, Pat Smullen.
The latter has ridden Vinnie Roe in all but one of the horse's 23 starts to date.

The son of Definite Article-also trained by Weld-is being aimed at the Melbourne Cup-a race his trainer, Dermot Weld, has won twice. Vinnie ran fourth in the race in 2002 to stable mate Media Fashion.

Said to have a wonderful temperament, Vinnie has won 12 of his 23 starts to date. He also ran second three years ago in the Gold Cup.