By Dan Walsh
Well-known businessman Sam McCauley has been making the sporting headlines these days – he was recently honoured with the official opening of McCauley Park at the Rapparees-Starlights GAA stadium in his native Enniscorthy – and today at the Champions Weekend at the Curragh he is celebrating a Group One success in the Goff’s Vincent O’Brien National Stakes with 12/1 winner Scorthy Champ.
Running in the colours of Rectory Road Holdings Limited. Scorthy Champ is trained by Joseph O’Brien, son of champion trainer Aidan from Poulpeasty, was confidently ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle and had three quarters of a length to spare at the finish. It was the second victory from three outings for the classy two-year-old colt. He won on his first run at Leopardstown last May.
Afterwards, Joseph O’Brien, who previously won the prestigious National Stakes twice as a jockey (2014-’15) and this is his third as a trainer (2020 and 2022) said; “I am delighted for Barry Fowler (owner) who is in the partnership with Sam McCauley and has been such a good supporter of ours for the last number of years. It is so special to win a Group 1 here this weekend.”
O’Brien added; “I don’t know what he will do next but if I was to guess, I’d say he will run again this season. I see him more as a miler so the Prix Lagardere or the Breeders Cup are options.”
A delighted Sam McCauley said; “I was nearly too nervous, and it was as good as seeing Wexford win an All-Ireland! The name comes from Enniscorthy. When I was at school people would say ‘come on Scorthy’.”
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