Ballydoyle Unveil Smart Wootton Bassett Colt At The Curragh

Expanded (2c Wootton Bassett – Jigsaw, by Galileo) justified some big race entries when making a winning debut in Saturday’s seven furlong maiden at the Curragh.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was well-supported ahead of the 14-runner contest and was soon settled in midfield by Wayne Lordan. Taking closer order from halfway, he was pushed along inside the final furlong and ran on to lead close home. The winning margin was a neck, as stablemate First Mate (Wootton Bassett) claimed runners-up honours, while fellow well-related newcomer Wild Sapphire (No Nay Never) took third.

Representing winning connections, Chris Armstrong commented, “They are all nice colts and we ran all three just to get them out and find out where they were. Wayne's horse is a lovely horse, he's got loads of class and the penny only dropped late but he got up at the right time. His class got him through at the end.

“He's still very raw and when he puts everything together he's going to be a smashing colt. We'll take him home and see whether he has another run this year or whether we put him away for next year. He's going to be a horse to look forward to next year.”

Bred by Whisperview Trading, Expanded is owned by Mrs Ann Marie O’Brien with Coolmore and Westerberg. The son of Wootton Bassett holds entries in the Dewhurst Stakes, Futurity Trophy and Irish 2,000 Guineas.