First Runner A Winner For Ten Sovereigns

Brighter (2f Ten Sovereigns - Tara’s Force, by Acclamation) provided Ten Sovereigns with a perfect start at stud when making a winning debut in the fillies’ maiden at Dundalk on Tuesday.

A first runner by her sire, Aidan O’Brien’s representative raced prominently throughout the fine furlong contest under Ryan Moore. Pushed along after the two furlong pole, she led approaching the final furlong and kept on strongly to deny the favourite by a head on the line.

Representing Ballydoyle, Chris Armstrong later commented, “Aidan felt she was just ready to start, she will come on a tonne from this. Ryan was happy with her - she was green throughout the run, but she is going to improve a tonne. We will probably go to the fillies' juvenile sprint at Naas in five weeks’ time.” On the sire, Armstrong added, “She's a fine example of the Ten Sovereigns progeny - lovely mover, great mind and has plenty of speed.”

Bred by Framont Limited, Brighter sold to Avenue Bloodstock as a yearling for €110,000 and is owned by Coolmore partners and Westerberg.

Ten Sovereigns himself did not debut until August of his two-year-old career, but certainly made up for lost time by bolting up in a Curragh maiden, before impressing in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes and extended his unbeaten record in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes.

The son of No Nay Never returned to winning ways in the Group 1 July Cup, in which he beat six Group 1 winners, and recorded the second fastest time in the race’s long history. Aidan O’Brien’s charge was crowned European Champion Three-Year-Old Sprinter that year.