Promising Pair Complete Starspangledbanner Double

Habshan (2c Starspangledbanner - Hope So, by Bated Breath) kicked off a two-year-old double for Starspangledbanner on Thursday when gaining his maiden victory at Deauville.

The Christophe Lener-trained colt was sent off second favourite for the conditions race over six and a half furlongs, having shown promise on both his previous starts. Delivered late by Ioritz Mendizabal, the bay scored by a short neck, with the front pair drawing six and a half lengths clear of the field.

Owned by Eid Alshamsi and bred by Brian O’Neill, Habshan provides an important update for his half-sister by Saxon Warrior, who sold for €52,000 last month.

Later that afternoon at Southwell, the Tom Dascombe-trained Skittlebombz (2c Starspangledbanner - Joquina, by Big Bad Bob) made a quick return to land the six furlong contest under PJ McDonald.

Placed three times previously, including when beaten just a head last week, the John and Jess Dance owned bay was sent off second favourite. Leading inside the final furlong, he kept on well to win by a length and three quarters.

Bred by Genesis Green Stud, Skittlebombz is the first foal out of a half-sister to Stakes winner Bold Thady Quill.