Ryan Moore Claims First Punchestown Victory Aboard Promising Juvenile Genealogy

Ryan Moore spoke of his victory yesterday for the first time as he handled Aidan O'Brien's talented juvenile, Genealogy, to score impressively over two miles in the William Hill Betting Done Properly Maiden. The precocious two-year-old, a son of Wootton Bassett, showed his promise there under Moore's experienced handling to win by a length and a half. Breconshire National Hunt Chase winner Genealogy had to do it all over again at 11-10 at the start, as even-money favourite Storm Piece found himself in front in the final stages. But out of strength of a decent debut run in second behind stable companion Acapulco Bay last month, Genealogy showed guts by staying on to outclass the remainder and confirm victory.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong was keen to lavish praise on both horse and rider. "Ryan gave him a fantastic ride from the wide draw," Armstrong said. "Even when he got there, genealogy was still very green, but he stayed on well. He had a good first run at the Curragh, and it's great to see him build on that." Armstrong described Genealogy as a "massive, big, scopey horse" and said whatever he does as a two-year-old will simply be a bonus going into next season. He called the Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown a nice next step, probably in the spring of next year. Armstrong spoke of bigger races over middle distances later in the juvenile year, speaking further about him: "He's one to look forward to.". He is a great attitude type and full of ability once he gets all the pieces to fit together."

💨

Genealogy (Wootton Bassett) storms home to get off the mark second-time out for Aidan O'Brien at @punchestownrace.

First course visit and a winner for Ryan Moore 🥇 pic.twitter.com/DnWHpbPLKt

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 17, 2024

Moore, whose tactical understanding is unmatched, appeared satisfied at Genealogy's display, particularly to overcome the broad draw and sharp bends at Punchestown. Armstrong echoed similarly when describing how Moore rode Genealogy in an exceedingly balanced chance the horse before Genealogy went flying to secure the win. But it wasn't all smiles for Moore, who ended up a good four lengths off the pace on Ballydoyle's odds-on favourite, Mint Candy, over six furlongs in a William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Irish EBF Fillies Maiden. That maiden produced the winner, Amangani, saddled by Joseph O'Brien and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, who is quickly making his presence known on Irish tracks. Then Browne McMonagle showed his fluidity and continued enjoying the day as he dominated in a treble. Following a successful ride on Amangani for a 100-30 win, he took a win from Michael Rice with an 8-1 shot from Proleek Prince. Finished with a commanding performance on Shavasi in the William Hill Extra Place Races Daily Irish EBF Fillies Handicap. 

Reflecting on his success, the in-form jockey said, "It's been a great day. Things are going well, and long may it last." Browne McMonagle's recent form includes a Group One win on Scorthy Champ in the National Stakes on Sunday, cementing his place as one of the brightest talents in Irish racing. Another was Star Harbour, trained by Ado McGuinness, who landed his seventh success in his career for Happy 60th Birthday to Ger Dunne of Punchestown Race. The six-year-old gelding, ridden by 3lb claimer Adam Caffrey, edged home by a head to push his career earnings over the £200,000 mark. Said McGuinness: "He just got there, and it's great for the lads.". He has been a goldmine for them.

He was certainly not a bargain-basement horse when we bought him, but the quantity of enjoyment they have derived from him has been incredible. For Moore, his win on the genealogy is a very good start to his Punchestown experience, and Aidan O'Brien and his team will be dancing with joy over the way the juvenile has built from recent form. For the racing fans, it is now a wait-and-see how genealogy goes in the middle-distance races next year.