Highland Reel Colt Storms Clear To Maiden Victory

Spartan Army (3c Highland Reel - Trianon, by Nayef) got off the mark in fine style on Saturday, when running out a commanding winner of the ten furlong maiden at Down Royal.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained bay was sent off favourite following a promising third on his seasonal return last month and raced prominently throughout under Shane Crosse. Pushed along when challenged over two furlongs out, he drew clear approaching the final furlong and was eased down close home to win by three and a half lengths.

“It was a nice race,” assistant trainer Brendan Powel said after the race. “He is progressing all the time. Shane said the best feeling he gave him was in the last furlong and a half. When you see him up to a mile and a half plus, he will even be better.”

Bred by Sean Connolly, Spartan Army is owned by Qatar Racing and was bought by David Redvers as a yearling for £72,000. The progressive colt hails from the first crop of globetrotting superstar Highland Reel, as does Group 2 winning two-year-old Atamisque (Highland Reel).