Impressive Stakes Winner By Sioux Nation

Ocean Quest (3f Sioux Nation - Gold Zain, by Aqlaam) marked herself as a talented filly last season and appeared better than ever when drawing clear in the Listed Committed Stakes on her seasonal return.

A debut winner at the Curragh last March, Jessica Harrington’s charge finished a close third in a hot renewal of the Ballyhane Stakes next time out, before being narrowly denied in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes. Reunited with Shane Foley at Navan, she raced prominently throughout and led approaching the final furlong. Striding clear when asked, she went on to win by six lengths from Aesop’s Fables (No Nay Never).

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Kate Harrington said, “We knew she was good last year - she won the first two-year-old race of the season and we bided our time with her and let her strengthen up.” Looking ahead, Harrington continued, “She'll go to the Commonwealth Cup, that's what mum said on the phone! Obviously, mum will have a chat with the owners and everything, but it looks like the likely aim at the moment.”

Owned by John Kirkland and Mrs Jim Ryan, Ocean Quest was bred by the late Dr TK Chah. She becomes a seventh individual Stakes winner from the first crop of Sioux Nation, for whom she is also one of seven Group performers.