Wootton Bassett Colt Remains Unbeaten In Group 2 Thriller

Atomic Jones (2c Wootton Bassett - Loyale, by Turtle Bowl) confirmed his star status when staying on strongly to win the Group 2 Champions Juvenile Stakes on the first day of Irish Champions Weekend.

A debut winner of a Curragh maiden in June, the Ger Lyons-trained colt stepped up to a mile at Leopardstown and was given a patient ride by Colin Keane. Asked to quicken from two furlongs out, he made impressive headway entering the final furlong and kept on well to deny Stone Age (Galileo) by a head.

“I'd say he's a smart horse, plenty of ability,” Lyons later commented. “He's done that without even knowing he's done it, just pure raw ability. I think he's typical of the sire, good, strong and dependable.” On future plans, the trainer added, “He's done for the year I'd say, he's a real horse for next year over a mile plus. He's a big huge baby and I didn't even expect to be running him this year, never mind winning two.”

Owned by Mrs Lynne Lyons, Sean Jones and David Spratt, the exciting son of Wootton Bassett was bred by Gestut Zur Kuste and SARL Riviera Equine.