Irish River - Polytrack Challenge (L): Mount Athos on a high

Deauville, France – November 3, 2024 – The 5-year-old gelding Mount Athos (Dark Angel) captured Sunday’s Prix Irish River (L) at Deauville, the first leg of the Mile section in the 2024/2025 Polytrack Challenge.

Sent off as the favourite after finishing seventh in the Qatar Prix du Pin (Gr3) six weeks earlier, Mount Athos raced close to the pace on the inside and took command early in the final straightaway. He then held off the late charge of the defending champion, Fast Raaj (Iffraaj), who finished less than a length behind after waiting too far back. The first two finishers were a length clear of the pacesetter, Le Tabou (Charm Spirit).

Trained at Newmarket, England, by James Tate for Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum, the winner finished third in the Prix du Palais-Royal (Gr3) earlier this season and was recording the sixth victory of his career.

His brother by Far Above was sold for €26,000 at Goffs to Natalia Lupini Racing & Syndicate this autumn. The second dam is a sister to the classic winner Oath (Fairy King) and the three-time Group 1 winner Pelder (Be My Guest).

The next leg of the Polytrack Challenge, Mile/Sprint division is the Prix Luthier (L), run over 1,500 metres on December 4 at Deauville. The final is scheduled for February 16 at Cagnes-sur-Mer.

The first leg of the Intermediate/Classic division is on November 26, with the Prix Lyphard (L) at Deauville over 1,900 meters/9.5f.

The rules of the 2024/2025 Polytrack Challenge are available here: https://www.france-galop.com/fr/content/un-nouveau-reglement-pour-le-polytrack-challenge-20242025