Trainer considers Curragh option for in-form sprinter
Jonathan Portman is contemplating supplementing Rumstar for the Group 1 Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh after the six-year-old produced another robust effort at York.
The veteran sprinter has enjoyed a consistent summer on the big-stage sprint circuit. He began the season by retaining the Coral Charge at Sandown in July, then chased home American Affair in the King George Stakes at Goodwood. Most recently he finished third in a top-level sprint at York, where the race was headed by Bacio with Starlust also ahead of Rumstar.
Supplement option on the table
Rumstar is not among the original entries for the Flying Five on 8 September, but connections have the opportunity to add him to the field at a late stage by paying the stipulated supplement fee of €40,000. Portman has indicated he is pressing the owner to consider that course of action, citing the colt’s encouraging performance at York and the limited number of high-quality targets remaining for sprinters this season.
With only a short window before the supplemental deadline, the decision will hinge on owner support and the balance of the remaining programme. Portman views supplementing as a Plan B after the initial campaign plan did not include Ireland, and the York run prompted a reassessment of options.
Programme and alternatives
Rumstar remains entered in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp, another prominent late-season target for elite sprinters. Portman noted that the ground often plays a significant part in shaping entries for the Abbaye and that the horse’s availability for that race is still being considered alongside the Curragh option.
The decision will therefore need to weigh several factors: the cost of a late supplement, travel and logistics for a short turnaround, likely going at the Curragh, and how those elements compare with the Abbaye prospect. Portman has reported that Rumstar returned from York in good condition, both physically and mentally, which strengthens the case for running him again at a high level this autumn.
Context in the sprint division
- Rumstar is a six-year-old who has remained competitive in elite sprints throughout the season.
- He successfully defended his Coral Charge title at Sandown earlier in the summer.
- At Goodwood’s King George Stakes he finished second to American Affair.
- His recent third at York came in a Group 1 contest in which Bacio prevailed.
The narrow window of remaining top-level sprint opportunities has forced trainers and owners to make pragmatic choices. For horses like Rumstar — proven at the highest level and in good form — a late supplement can offer a shot at further valuable black-type, but it carries a significant financial outlay and logistical considerations.
Portman’s final decision on whether to commit to the Flying Five is expected in the coming days, after further consultation with the owner and assessment of Rumstar’s recovery from his run at York. Meanwhile the Abbaye remains a realistic alternative as the autumn sprint programme takes shape.
