Blues Emperor (Gleneagles) Wins His Maiden At Listowel

Homebred Son Of Gleneagles Gains Maiden Victory

Blues Emperor (3g Gleneagles - Bean Uasal, by Oasis Dream) built on a promising return to take Thursday’s mile maiden at the Listowel Festival.

Fourth on his sole juvenile start, the Johnny Murtagh-trained chesnut finished a close third earlier this month and was well-supported on his third start. Held up behind the leaders by Ben Coen, he was switched left to challenge after the two furlong pole and was ridden to lead a furlong later. Keeping on well, he scored by three parts of a length from Boher Road (Vadamos), while the favourite Westernesse (Camelot) took third. The trio drew 12 lengths clear of the field.

“Blues Emperor has done nothing but improve,” Murtagh said after the race. “He's very genuine, he tried his hardest when he got into the gap.”

Owned and bred by Mrs Helen Keaveney and Mark Keaveney, Blues Emperor is a half-brother to the ultra-consistent Geological (Rock Of Gibraltar).