Iridessa Gains Third Group 1 Win In Matron Stakes

Iridessa (3f Ruler Of The World - Senta’s Dream, by Danehill) gained the third Group 1 success of her career when taking Saturday’s Matron Stakes on the opening day of Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown.

Dropping back to the mile trip over which she won her first top-level contest, the bay chased the leaders under Wayne Lordan and was pushed along from over two furlongs out. Running on strongly under pressure, she led inside the final furlong and scored by three parts of a length, as Hermosa (Galileo) claimed runners-up honours.

Winning trainer Joseph O’Brien commented after the race, “She's a very good mare when things fall right for her. Wayne gave her a great ride and she was the best filly on the day. She has a huge engine and I'm delighted for everyone.”

The Prix de l’Opera may be next on the agenda for Iridessa, who is owned by Mrs CC Regalado-Gonzalez. From the first crop of Ruler of The World, she was bred by Whisperview Trading and is a grand-daughter of dual Grade 1 winner Starine.

Ruler of The World commands €8,000 at Castlehyde Stud.