Back-To-Back Stakes Wins For Progressive Son Of Camelot

The improving Downdraft (4c Camelot - Cinnamon Rose, by Trempolino) made a successful step up in trip to take Her Majesty’s Plate, a Listed contest over a mile and six furlongs, at Down Royal on Friday.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained colt was following up on his debut black-type victory in the Lenebane Stakes over a mile and a half at Roscommon earlier in the month. Sent off second favourite under a penalty, he chased the leaders for much of the way and was driven to challenge over a furlong out by Donnacha O’Brien. Leading inside the final furlong, he wan on to beat the favourite The King (Mastercraftsman) by three lengths, with a further five lengths back to Giuseppe Garibaldi (Galileo) in third.

Donnacha O’Brien was full of praise for Downdraft after the race, saying, “He's a beautiful horse to ride, you just throw the reins at him and he goes along at his own pace. Then when you give him a squeeze he is there for you. He's an improving horse and I think the step up in trip brought about more improvement. He is tactical and he relaxes, so you would have a load of options with him.”

Owned by OTI Racing, Downdraft was bred by Airlie Stud and is a half-brother to Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine Chelsea Rose, herself the dam of dual Group 1 winner Kew Gardens (Galileo).