O’Brien Brothers First and Second in Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes

Joseph O'Brien beat his younger brother Donnacha to win the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at The Curragh. Al Riffa held off Proud And Regal by a length-and-a-quarter in the seven-furlong race. Shartash came third for handler Johnny Murtagh, who supplemented the colt for the race after his debut.

Joseph O'Brien's horse Al Riffa won his maiden race. O’Brien Brothers won the Goffs Vincent O'sion National Stakes.

Al Riffa won the National Stakes at the start of the European flat racing season. He is trained by Dr Vincent O'Brien, a former champion jockey and conditioner. Al Riffs is a 29 stakes winner for his sire, Coolmore, and a sixth Group 1 success for the Coolmores stallion, Wootton Bassett. His immediate plan is to go to Paris and compete in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Paris Longchamp on Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in October.