More To Come From Smart Son Of Yeats

John Patrick Ryan was full of praise for Zolpharine (5g Yeats - Flite, by Flemensfirth) after his charge made a smart start over hurdles at Kilbeggan on Friday.

Runner-up in a bumper last time out, the son of Yeats was partnered by Liam Quinlan in the two mile maiden hurdle and raced prominently throughout. Improving into second from three out, he was pushed along to lead at the last and was ridden clear on the run-in to score by five lengths.

“This is a lovely horse,” the winning owner/trained later commented “He'll go to Listowel now for the winners of one novice.”

Ryan also trains Zopharine’s sister Fairyhill Run (Mahler), who is Graded-placed over hurdles and fences. Comparing the two, Ryan said, “Fairyhill Run is a brilliant mare, she won a lot for us. I'd say he's way better than her, he's exciting.”

The pair were bred by Ryan’s cousin Thomas Meagher out of the winning Flemensfirth mare Flite.