Raydara brings juvenile G2 success for Rock

The Aga Khan’s home-bred Raydara (2f Rock Of Gibraltar-Raydiya, by Marju) starred in the G2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday when bringing more Group race glory for Rock Of Gibraltar. Mick Halford’s charge easily won a Leopardstown maiden in July and stepped up on that effort to defeat the joint-favourite Lucida by half a length. She could now move up to the top grade in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. “I'm thrilled with her,” Halford told irishracing.com. “When she won her maiden she made the running after finding herself in front, but I thought we made a little bit too much use of her the last day. We're only learning about her. She got a break to freshen her up after that. We took her away to the Curragh the other day and she worked very well. “Shane (Foley) said she went up through the gears pretty good and he was delighted. She's a very smart filly. Today was a big test and she came through it well. “I'll talk to Pat (Downes) now and he'll discuss plans with his Highness. The Moyglare is the obvious target, but she does love it fast and she might have had enough for this year.”