Promising No Nay Never Colts Get Off The Mark

Il Pellegrino (3c No Nay Never – Fork Lightning, by Storm Cat) began the first of two maiden winners by No Nay Never on Saturday when making a successful return to action at Limerick.

Joseph O’Brien’s charge placed behind some smart types on both his starts as a juvenile and was well-supported when making his first start since October. Declan McDonogh rode the colt prominently throughout the seven furlong maiden and was pushed along to lead inside the final furlong. He kept on well to win by half a length, with another three lengths and three quarters back to the third horse.

Owned by Mrs Anne Marie O’Brien and Mrs John Magnier, Il Pellegrino is a full-brother to the highly-rated Hispanic (No Nay Never). The pair were bred by Whisperview Trading out of the useful Storm Cat mare Fork Lightning.

At Ayr later that afternoon, Big Cyril (2c No Nay Never – Last Jewel, by Invincible Spirit) made all to win the six furlong maiden on his second start.

A debut third last month, the Alice Haynes-trained colt was reunited with Kieran O’Neill at the weekend and was ridden clear approaching the final furlong. The bay kept on well to win by two lengths and three quarters, while the favourite was another four lengths back in third.

Owned by Allsopp And Co, the promising son of No Nay Never was bred by Lynch Bages and Lindy Farms.