Impressive Newcomer Continues Fine Run For Starspangledbanner

Defence Of Fort (2c Starspangledbanner - Signs And Signals, by Kodiac) emerged as an exciting prospect when drawing clear to win Saturday’s seven furlong novice stakes at Ascot.

The Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained newcomer was positioned in midfield by Jason Watson and was switched left to challenge approaching two furlongs out. Pushed along to lead a furlong later, he was ridden clear inside the final furlong and despite showing signs of inexperience, won by four lengths and three quarters.

“Defense Of Fort is a nice sort,” Jason Watson said after the race. “He's a big horse and might have been immature for today, but went down nicely and is a nice horse going forward.”

Owned by Miss SE Wall, Defense Of Fort becomes the first winner bred by Awbeg Stud out of the mare Signs And Signals.

Hypernova (3g Starspangledbanner - Southern Migration, by Kingmambo) continued Starspangledbanner’s fantastic run the following day when taking the six furlong maiden at Fairyhouse.

Joseph O’Brien’s charge was returning from a break, having been placed previously, and was ridden to make all by Hugh Horgan. Ridden when challenged approaching the two furlong pole, he kept on well to score by a length and three quarters.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Brendan Powell said, “That was Hypernova’s first run on the grass and he's actually matured a lot too. They were coming to him but they were never going to get by him. Hopefully he can improve from it.”