Saxon Warrior Filly Justifies Group 1 Entries

Thornbrook (2f Saxon Warrior - Lillebonne, by Danehill Dancer) emerged as a smart prospect when producing a taking debut performance at Leopardstown on Thursday.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained bay was sent off second favourite for the seven furlong fillies’ maiden, with support influenced by her Group 1 entry in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, as well as the success of her siblings. She chased the leaders under Declan McDonogh and was pushed along early in the straight, with McDonogh increasing the pressure a furlong from home. Quickening smartly, she ran on well to win by a length and a quarter.

“Thornbrook is a nice filly,” assistant trainer Brendan Powell confirmed after the race. “I know Joseph thought a fair bit of her at home. I think she's quite smart and will definitely go for a stakes race next time.”

Bred by Peter Henley, John Connolly and Pattern Bloodstock, Thornbrook is a half-sister to the stable’s Listed winners Circuit Stellar and Seisai (Gleneagles). The exciting prospect continues a promising start by Saxon Warrior’s first runners, with Ser Sed (Saxon Warrior) now a dual winner, while Killybegs Warrior (Saxon Warrior) impressed on debut at Newmarket.