Luxembourg holds on to deny Bay Bridge in thrilling Tattersalls Gold Cup
Luxembourg ridden by Ryan Moore (left) wins The Tattersalls Gold Cup at Curragh Racecourse - May 2023
Bay Bridge made a good race of the Gold Cup at Curragh but was ultimately held off by Luxembourg
Luxembourg held off Bay Bridge to make every yard in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore.
A Group One winner at two, he was well fancied for last year's Derby after finishing third in the 2000 Guineas but missed out on the summer months with a setback.
He made up for lost time in the second half of his three-year-old campaign by winning the Royal Whip over course and distance before adding the Irish Champion Stakes, accounting for a high-class cast at Leopardstown.
Only fifth on his seasonal bow in the Mooresbridge Stakes, the real Luxembourg was on show on Sunday afternoon.
Sent off at 11-4, with French raider and old rival Vadeni the 11-8 market leader, the son of Camelot was immediately sent to the front by Ryan Moore where he remained until the winning post.
Sir Michael Stoute's Bay Bridge was content to track the pace in the early stages and was building up momentum as the runners headed up the home straight.
Although short of room passing the two-furlong pole, Richard Kingscote was soon able to edge his mount into clear daylight and they set about laying down a stern challenge to Luxembourg in the closing stages.
But the Ballydoyle representative refused to give in and remained half a length clear as the duo flashed past the winning post, a performance that saw Luxembourg shortened to 3-1 from 10s for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot with both Paddy Power and Betfair.
