Son Of Gleneagles All Heart In Maiden Success

Down Royal was an apt setting for Royal County Down (2c Gleneagles - Pearl Grey, by Gone West) to gain his maiden win, as he rallied to land the seven furlong maiden on Friday.

Second last time out to the exciting Cayenne Pepper (Australia), he was sent off favourite under Donnacha O’Brien, who rode him prominently in a field of 11. Disputing over two furlongs out, he was soon headed but dug deep to battle back, denying Recall The Show on the line.

Donnacha O’Brien, who rode the winner for his father Aidan, commented after the race, “He's a little bit of a slow learner, but once he got the hang of things he stuck his head out front. I'd think there is still plenty of improvement and he'll be a better horse when he goes up to a mile.”

Royal County Down was bred by Lynch Bages out of Listed winner Pearl Grey, who was also Group 2 placed in the Cherry Hinton Stakes. He becomes the latest winner by Gleneagles, whose first crop also included Group 2 July Stakes victor Royal Lytham, Listed Windsor Castle Stakes winner Southern Hills and Group 2 runner-up Precious Moments.