Starspangledbanner Newcomer Impresses In Group 3 Sprint

Hermana Estrella (2f Starspangledbanner - The Last Sister, by Lord Shanakill) lived up to connections’ high expectations when making a winning debut in the Group 3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes.

Racing towards the back of the field under Chris Hayes, the Fozzy Stack-trained filly made headway from two furlongs out and was ridden entering the final furlong. Chasing down the clear leader, she asserted close home to win by a length, with another five and a half lengths back to the third horse.

Chris Hayes was understandably impressed by the winner and said, “She’s a very smart filly and Fozzy doesn’t make entries like that unless they are good. She was green and raw as you would expect going against experienced company but to me I was coasting and everything was going in slow motion.”

The Albany Stakes is a possible target for Hermana Estrella, who is owned by D Keoghan and partners. The daughter of Starspangledbanner was bred by Castlefarm Stud out of a half-sister to dual Group 3 winner Lady Springbank (Choisir).