Wootton Bassett Colt Hits The Right Notes On Debut

Smart newcomer Atomic Jones (2c Wootton Bassett - Loyale, by Turtle Bowl) prevailed in a thrilling finish to Sunday’s Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh.

The Ger Lyons-trained colt was well-supported on debut and chased the leaders for much of the seven furlong contest. Ridden from two furlongs out, he led narrowly inside the final furlong and kept on well to score by a short head under Colin Keane. Point Gellibrand (Camelot) ran on well to take second after suffering a troubled passage, narrowly beating fellow newcomer Shark Bay (Australia) into third.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Shane Lyons said, “We're very happy with him, he's a big raw horse and he came here to have a day out and to improve. Obviously he has ability to be able to do that and he'll be a lovely horse over a trip next year.”

Owned by Sean Jones, David Spratt and Mrs Lynne Lyons, Atomic Jones was bred by Gestut Zur Kuste Ag and SARL Riviera Equine.

Another Wootton Bassett newcomer to make a fine impression this week was Trident (2c Wootton Bassett - Mezzo Mezzo, by Mount Nelson), who won the Prix des Arenes de Paris in good style under Mickael Barzalona.

Racing close to the pace throughout the six and a half furlong contest, he was forced to delay his challenge until after the two furlong marker when a gap appeared. Quickening to the front, he was ridden out to score by two lengths, with another two and a half lengths back to the third.

Trained by Andre Fabre for Derrick Smith, Westerberg, Michael Tabor and Mrs Susan Magnier, Trident was a €140,000 yearling purchase by Broadhurst Agency. He was bred by David Smaga and Marie-Benedicte Fougy-Smaga.