Maiden Winner Continues Fine Run For Churchill

Ghasham (3c Churchill - Shamarbelle, by Montjeu) continued a fine run for Churchill when making a successful three-year-old return in Sunday’s ten furlong maiden at Cork.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained bay made a promising debut at the track last September and was well-supported as he stepped up in trip under Dylan Browne McMonagle. He made virtually all the running, quickening from over two furlongs out and was ridden inside the final furlong to score by half a length. The promising Ruler Legend (Camelot) claimed runners-up honours.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Brendan Powell said, “Ghasham is a massive big horse and looks progressive. It was a nice performance and there is a lot of improvement to come from him.”

Ghasham is owned by Mrs Anne Marie O’Brien, who bred the son of Churchill with M Al Monsour and K Al’Attiyah. Connections also have a two-year-old Zoffany half-brother to the winner, who holds an entry in the 2023 Epsom Derby.