No Nay Never Colt Boots Ascot Claims With Stakes Success

The exciting Blackbeard (2c No Nay Never - Muirin, by Born To Sea) made it two from two with a gutsy performance in the Listed First Flier Stakes at the Curragh.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt shaped like a smart prospect when winning last month and was sent off favourite to follow up under Ryan Moore. Tracking the leaders in the early stages, the bay was pushed along two furlongs out and was ridden inside the final furlong. Running on well, he led on the line to deny Crispy Cat by a short head.

Speaking after the race, O’Brien said, “The ground is softer than we thought it was going to be but he did well to battle back. He’ll go on to Ascot for one of the races over five or six. Ryan said he could get six.”

Owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Westerberg. Blackbeard was bred by Newstead Breeding. He hails from No Nay Never’s exciting crop that was bred off the back of his champion first season sire title, which included Ten Sovereigns’ Group 1 success in the Middle Park Stakes.