Promising Churchill Filly Wins Naas Maiden

Prime Art (2f Churchill - Mona Lisa’s Smile, by War Front) built on two promising runs to take the six furlong fillies’ maiden at Naas on Thursday.

The Johnny Murtagh-trained bay finished fourth on her two previous starts, with subsequent Group winner Letsbefrankaboutit (Sioux Nation) one place in front of her on debut, while the winner of her second start subsequently won a Listed race.

Partnered by Ben Coen once again at Naas, she raced prominently throughout and was shaken up after passing the two furlong pole. Leading before the final furlong, she was ridden out to score by half a length from Emerald Banner (Starspangledbanner).

“She's a nice filly and she's progressing all the time,” Murtagh said after the race. “I haven't spoken to the owners yet, but maybe we could give her one more run if there is a stakes race for her. It's just nice to win another two-year-old maiden, they are hard to win.”

Prime Art was bred by Barronstown Stud, who now co-own the filly with Kevin Doyle and Mrs John Magnier. The daughter of Churchill is the first foal out of Mona Lisa’s Smile, herself a half-sister to Group 1 winners Horatio Nelson (Danehill) and Van Gogh (American Pharoah).