Smart Colts Rally To Complete Double For Australia

The well-regarded Alder (2c Australia - Eccentricity, by Kingmambo) completed the first leg of a double for Australia on the opening day of the Killarney Summer Festival.

Donnacha O’Brien’s charge caught the eye on debut last month when running on into fourth in a Curragh maiden. Stepping up to a mile on Monday, he was sent off favourite under Gavin Ryan, who rode the chesnut to chase the leader. Showing signs of inexperience when asked to challenge, he kept on well to lead narrowly close home and prevailed by a head on the line, as well-bred newcomer Hiawatha (Camelot) drew over three lengths clear of the third horse.

“We liked him the first day at the Curragh when he had a nice run in fourth,” Gavin Ryan explained after the race. “He is still a shade raw and will be a nice horse going forward. He is by Australia and they are all good, genuine and tough.”

Owned by Coolmore partners and breeder Mrs O’Brien, Alder holds entries in the Group 1 National Stakes and the 2023 Epsom Derby.

Shark Bay (3c Australia - Defrost My Heart, by Fastnet Rock) was also forced to battle for his success later on the card, which saw him make a successful drop down to a mile and three furlongs.

Headed inside the final furlong, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt battled back gamely to beat Good Heavens (Zoffany) by a neck under Wayne Lordan.

Speaking after the race, stable representative Chris Armstrong said, “Wayne gave him a lovely ride, he stays very well and there is no reason he can't step back up into stakes company. He is very genuine, has a good attitude and is a typical Australia who keeps finding.”

Monday marked a second career win for Shark Bay, who is owned by Westerberg and Coolmore partners. The son of Australia was bred by Fair Salina out of the black-type Fastnet Rock mare Defrost My Heart.