Stakes Win Makes It Five In A Row For Rock Of Gibraltar Mare

Saturday saw Kastasa (4f Rock Of Gibraltar - Kasanka, by Galileo) continue where she left off last season, as the Aga Khan homebred justified favoritism in the Listed Vintage Tipple Stakes at Gowran Park.

The Dermot Weld-trained filly gained four consecutive wins last season, progressing to land the valuable Petingo Handicap and Group 3 Loughbrown Stakes, the latter won by an impressive seven lengths. Carrying a penalty for her previous Stakes success, she was ridden to chase the leaders by Oisin Orr and was pushed along from over two furlongs out. Improving to produce a challenge, she led approaching the final furlong and kept on well to win by three parts of a length from Nan Yehi (Camelot).

Speaking after the race, Dermot Weld said, “She had a very busy and highly successful year last year and the plan had always been to start her today. She'll go for the Stanerra, in about three weeks’ time, a Group 3 at Naas. The Irish Leger could be quite possible for her long-term.”

The daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar was bred out of a half-sister to Irish St Leger Kastoria.