Promising Gleneagles Filly Goes One Better

Whatabird (2f Gleneagles - Inkling, by Seeking The Gold) delivered on her debut promise when justifying favoritism in Friday’s Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Haydock.

The Lady Mimi Manton-owned filly finished second over course and distance of six furlongs earlier in the month and was reunited with Tony Hamilton on her second start. He rode the bay close to the pace, asking her to challenge over a furlong out and applied pressure to chase down the leader Quick Recap (No Nay Never). She gained the advantage close home to deny her rival on the line.

The Richard Fahey-trained filly becomes the seventh winner out of Curragh maiden winner Inkling, herself closely related to Grand Criterium victor Jade Robbery. Whatabird was bred by Coolmore and is a half-sister to Group 3 runner-up Emerald Ring, herself the dam of Listed winner Ballet Shoes (Galileo).

Whatabird continues a strong start at stud by Gleneagles, his first crop highlighted by Group 2 scorer Royal Lytham and Listed Royal Ascot winner Southern Hills. The top-class son of Galileo commands €30,000 at Coolmore Stud.