First Winner for Merchant Navy

Dual Group I winning sprinter and Royal Ascot hero Merchant Navy is on the board with his first winner after Galaxy Affair (2g Merchant Navy x Wild Ava, by High Chaparral) saluted at Ascot on Saturday.

Having his second run following his debut sixth last month at Belmont, the Daniel and Ben Pearce trained gelding appreciated a step out to 1200m.

Allowed to settle back in the field, he surged into contention coming to the turn where he was the widest runner and hit the line hard to win by a long head.

Galaxy Affair was purchased as a weanling from the 2020 Inglis Digital June (late) Sale for $42,500 by Danny Coyne.

He was bred by Aquis and is the first foal of Wild Ava, a metropolitan winning half-sister by High Chaparral to Group II WATC Karrakatta Plate winner Ima Single Man from stakes-winning Not a Single Doubt mare Single Spice.

Merchant Navy set a new benchmark for himself in the sale ring at Magic Millions this week when his filly from Pittsburgh Flyer sold for $700,000. The half-sister to Group I winner September Run was bought by Ciaron Maher / Best Bloodstock.