Unbeaten No Nay Never Colt Impresses In Group 3

Blackbeard (2c No Nay Never - Muirin, by Born To Sea) extended his unbeaten record to three from three with a hugely impressive victory in the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh.

Successful over the minimum trip on debut and in the Listed First Flier Stakes, Aidan O’Brien’s charge stepped up to six furlongs and made all for the first time on Saturday. He showed a strong turn of foot when asked to quicken by Ryan Moore and ran on strongly inside the final furlong, drawing clear to score by three and a half lengths.

Speaking after the race, Aidan O’Brien said, “He's a strong, mature horse with a lovely mind so we couldn't be happier really.” On future targets, he continued, “We thought maybe coming here Blackbeard was a Windsor Castle, Norfolk-type horse and we weren't sure about the six furlongs so it was great that he got the six that well and handled the ease in the ground and it leaves him open that he can run in a Coventry and maybe on the way back to a Railway.”

Owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs J Magnier, Michael Tabor and Westerberg, the son of No Nay Never was bred by Newstead Breeding out of €210,000 purchase Muirin.