Derby Trial Next For Churchill’s Latest Winner

Sprewell (3c Churchill - Lahaleeb, by Redback) will step up to Stakes company after making a winning three-year-old return at Naas on Sunday.

The Jessica Harrington-trained colt was last seen finishing second to Group performer Sierra Blanca (No Nay Never) over course and distance in November and was well-supported to get off the mark at the third time of asking. Positioned in second by Shane Foley, he was asked to challenge approaching the two furlong pole and was ridden a furlong later. Running on to lead inside the final 110 yards, he won by a length from maiden winner Zoinnocent (Zoffany). The pair finished four lengths clear of the third.

“That is a proper horse,” Kate Harrington said after the race. “He’ll go for the Derby Trial at Leopardstown. He saw out the race really well today and I think he’ll improve for better ground.”

The son of Churchill carries the colours of breeder Mohamed Khalid Mohamed Abdulrahim.