Son Of Australia Completes Hat Trick With Group 3 Win

Patrick Sarsfield (4g Australia - Ultra Appeal, by Lawman) made it three from three this season when taking Saturday’s Group 3 Meld Stakes in impressive fashion.

A five length winner over course and distance in June, the Joseph O’Brien-trained bay followed up in a valuable handicap earlier in July. Regular rider Declan McDonagh rode him to chase the leaders and was travelling well two furlongs out. Leading approaching the final furlong, he stayed on strongly to win by two lengths.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Brendan Powell said, “Patrick Sarsfield travelled lovely and when the gap came he quickened up really well like a good horse. Every task we have asked him he has delivered and we would hope that we haven't got to the bottom of him yet.”

Patrick Sarsfield’s Leopardstown victory marked a fourth career success, having been placed in his other three starts. Bought by O’Brien for 230,000gns following promising juvenile performances for Edward Lynam, the son of Australia now runs in the colours of Mrs Regalado-Gonzalez.

Bred by China Horse Club, he continued a successful Saturday for his sire, with Establish (3c Australia - Azenzar, by Danehill Dancer) having won a competitive handicap at Newcastle earlier in the day.

The Roger Varian-trained colt was following up on his maiden win last month and once again raced over a mile under David Egan. Racing towards the back of the field, he produced a late challenge to lead inside the final furlong and beat the short-priced favourite Eastern World by half a length.

Roger Varian commented after the race, “Establish has always threatened to be a nice horse. I'd like to think he could have a good handicap in him and we might look at something like the Cambridgeshire longer term.”

Owned by AD Spence, Establish was bred by Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar.