Viareggio Scores Cork Victory for Caravaggio

Viareggio (2f Caravaggio x Just Joan, by Pour Moi) became the newest winner for her sire on Wednesday with a determined victory at Cork.

Trained by Jessica Harrington for Alpha Racing, the run over seven furlongs on good ground while wearing a visor for the first time seemed to suit the filly from the start.

Viareggio was in the runner-up position nearly from the moment they broke from the gate and galloped comfortably under Shane Foley. As they entered the final two furlongs, the leader faded but Viareggio was still motoring. The filly had to defend that lead from two late closers but the line came when she still had her head in front for a maiden victory.

“The experience and her runs have helped her as she is learning on the job,” said stable representative Richie Galway. “She was tough and I thought Shane gave her a lovely ride - he gave her daylight, got her on the front. She seemed to be enjoying herself and he held on to a little bit.”

Bred by Hawes Stud, Viareggio is out of a winning Pour Moi three-quarter sister to multiple stakes placed Danjeu and half-sister to stakes winner Tannaaf. The trio are out of a three-quarter sister to Grade I winner Wannabee Grand and full sister to stakes winner Pirateer among the five stakes performers out of her dam Wannabe.

Viareggio has a weanling half-brother by Footstepsinthesand to come.

The sire of 18 winners, including three stakes winners and six blacktype performers, Caravaggio’s lone offering in this year’s Keeneland September Yearling Sale is Hip 746 – a three-quarter sister to the stakes winning Amanzi Yimpilo.