Exciting No Nay Never Filly Lands Group 2 Prize

A quick turnaround from Royal Ascot proved no obstacle for Albany Stakes second Matrika (2f No Nay Never - Muravka, by High Chaparral), with the exciting filly justifying favouritism in Saturday’s Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained bay shaped like a smart prospect over course and distance on debut and followed up with a gallant performance behind the more experienced Porta Fortuna in the Albany Stakes. Reunited with Ryan Moore at the Irish Derby Festival, she led her group on the stands’ side and was pushed along from two furlongs out. Ridden to lead the field inside the final furlong, she ran on well to score by a length and three quarters.

Coolmore sires from the Scat Daddy line were responsible for the first five home, with Gunzburg (Sioux Nation), Ashwiyaa (Sioux Nation), Do It With Style (Ten Sovereigns) and Grand Job (Justify) chasing Matrika home in that order.

Speaking after the race, the in-form Aidan O’Brien said, “She ran a lovely race at Ascot despite being a little bit green and babyish. She learned plenty from that and came out of the race having lost no weight.”

Looking to the future, O’Brien continued, “We hope she might get seven furlongs as she's very relaxed. She could be a Cheveley Park filly. She breezes along there and does it easy, she doesn't take anything out of herself.”

Owned by Coolmore partners and Westerberg, Matrika was bred by Barronstown Stud. The daughter of No Nay Never is a full-sister to dual Group winner and Group 1 second Unicorn Lion (No Nay Never), and a half-sister to Group 1 winning two-year-old The Wow Signal (Starspangledbanner).