Starspangledbanner Colt Lands Leopardstown Maiden

Promising juvenile Guildenstern (2c Starspangledbanner - Hecuba, by Hector Protector) led home a 1-2-3 for Coolmore sires in Saturday’s seven furlong maiden at Leopardstown.

The son of Starspangledbanner was purchased privately following his promising debut at the Curragh, where he finished second behind subsequent Group 2 winner Diego Velazquez. Now trained by Donnacha O’Brien for Leonard Green, he was well-supported to get off the mark on Saturday and raced prominently throughout under Gavin Ryan. Improving to challenge two furlongs from home, he was ridden to lead inside the final furlong and ran on well to win by a length. South Pole (No Nay Never) claimed runners-up honours, ahead of Master Of The Hunt (No Nay Never) in third.

Guildenstern was bred by Owenstown Stud, who sold the son of Starspangledbanner as a yearling for €105,000. The promising colt is closely related to Stakes winner and Group performer Choose Me (Choisir).