Stakes Success For Saxon Warrior

The progressive Victoria Road (2c Saxon Warrior - Tickled Pink, by Invincible Spirit) led home a 1-2 for Coolmore Stud sires in the Listed Criterium du Fonds Europeen de l’Elevage at Deauville on Saturday.

Fourth in the valuable Ballyhane Stakes at the beginning of the month, Aidan O’Brien’s charge won his maiden just ten days ago and stepped up to a mile on his Stakes debut. Ioritz Mendizabal settled the bay behind the leaders and made his move two furlongs from home, asking his mount for a serious challenge a furlong later. Staying on well to lead close home, he was driven out to deny Blue Rose Cen (Churchill) by a short neck.

Another step up in class may now be on the cards for Victoria Road, who holds entries in a number of Group 2 and Group 1 contests. Bought by MV Magnier as a yearling for 115,000gns, the smart colt is owned by Westerberg, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

The Trevor Stewart-bred bay continues an exciting start at stud by Saxon Warrior, with Thornbrook (Saxon Warrior) finishing third in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes that same afternoon.