Future Looks Bright For Saxon Warrior’s Latest Winner

The highly-rated Greenland (2c Saxon Warrior - Aktoria, by Canford Cliffs) gained a deserved maiden victory when making all at Roscommon on Monday.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge was last seen finishing fourth at Listed level, having finished second to previous winner Papilio (Starspangledbanner) on his previous start. Sent off favourite for the seven furlong contest on Monday, he was pushed along after passing the two furlong pole and boasted a clear advantage inside the final furlong. Pushed out by Wayne Lordan, he scored by two and three quarter lengths, as debut winner Ma Belle Artiste (Zoffany) settled for runners-up honours.

“It was very straightforward,” Wayne Lordan commented after the race. “He's a lovely colt and is maturing all the time. I think he's a horse for the future.”

A 300,000gns yearling purchase, Greenland is owned by Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg. The bay was bred by Scea Marmion and Mr Alain Jathiere out of Aktoria, who has a yearling colt by Gleneagles and colt foal by Starspangledbanner.

Dual Group 1 winner Saxon Warrior has enjoyed a promising start at stud, led by Victoria Road’s Stakes success at Deauville earlier this month. His other winners include Thornbrook, who followed up an impressive debut win at Leopardstown with a fine third in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes.