Promising Churchill Colt Strikes Late For Maiden Win

Rapparee Champ (3c Churchill - Pernica, by Sir Percy) ran down the long-time leader to win his second start at Fairyhouse on Friday.

Joseph O’Brien’s charge finished third to his more experienced stablemate on debut last month and was sent off favourite for the mile and a half maiden under Dylan Browne McMonagle. Racing prominently, he was asked to quicken from two furlongs out and had three lengths to make up on the leader. Running on well inside the final furlong, he led close home to win by a head, with the pair finishing three and a half lengths clear of the third.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “I loved the way he got through the line and he's going to improve when he steps up in trip, and he's only going to learn on the job. He's going to be a nice prospect going forward.”

Owned by Rectory Road Holdings, Rapparee Champ was bred by Epona Bloodstock and is closely related to Listed winner Fernando Vichi (Australia).