New Star Emerges For Zoffany As Albigna Rises To Occasion

Albigna (2f Zoffany - Freedonia, by Selkirk) produced an impressive turn of foot to storm home in Friday’s Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes on the second day of the Irish Derby festival.

The Jessica Harrington-trained filly was sent off favourite, having impressed when winning first time out over course and distance last month. Shane Foley took the ride once again and looked to be in trouble when pushing his mount from halfway, but the chestnut switched into gear a furlong and a half from home. Passing her rivals inside the final furlong, she ran on strongly close home to deny Precious Moments (Gleneagles) by half a length.

A step up in trip is now on the cards for Albigna, with the winning trainer revealing she is entered in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. The Niarchos Family homebred becomes the second Stakes winner out of her dam Freedonia, a Group 2 winner and Grade 1 second.