Plenty to like about maiden winners.
Tennessee Stud Charges to Victory in Irish EBF Maiden, O'Brien and McDonogh Team Up for Double Success
Tennessee Stud, a promising colt trained by Joseph O’Brien, took a significant step forward at Tipperary to land the Camas Park Stud Irish EBF Maiden in impressive style. Ridden by Declan McDonogh, the Wootton Bassett-sired colt showcased his potential by dominating a competitive field and delivering a decisive win that solidifies his reputation as one to watch.
Making his second career start, Tennessee Stud had previously finished third at Galway, where he stayed on strongly over a mile and half a furlong. This time, O’Brien entered the colt over nine furlongs, a race that has produced top-class winners, including last year’s victor, Aidan O’Brien’s Irish Derby hero, Los Angeles. The increased distance proved to be just what Tennessee Stud needed to show his true form.
Despite the market favoring Ballydoyle’s representative, Shackleton, it was Tennessee Stud, priced at 5-1, who stole the show. McDonogh sent his mount straight to the front from the gate, making all the running in a confident and controlled performance. By the time they hit the line, Tennessee Stud had comfortably beaten the favorite by two and a quarter lengths, with the rest of the field trailing far behind.
“He showed a bit of pace to get that position out of the gates,” McDonogh commented after the race. “He had to overcome a lot, the track was riding very tight, but he handled it brilliantly. I got a nice sit into him down the back and he picked up well down the straight.”
The jockey also noted that the tight turns at Tipperary made things tricky, saying, “The racing line we were on was throwing us out at every bend. It’s not ideal, but he did very well. He could definitely be a stakes horse. Physically, he’s a beautiful horse and has great balance.”
Reflecting on the colt’s progress, McDonogh added, “He got a bump out of the gates last time, but he clearly learned a lot from that experience. Today’s win shows he’s going in the right direction.”
The successful partnership of O’Brien and McDonogh didn’t end there. The duo went on to claim another victory in the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden with the 4-9 favorite, Dignam. After finishing second at Gowran on his previous start, the colt went one better, winning by a length and a quarter in what was a composed and impressive performance.
“That was the first time I rode him,” McDonogh said of Dignam. “I sat on him yesterday morning, and he’s a grand, solid horse. He has a turn of foot, and when I was getting it easy, I kicked on and got a few lengths on them.”
McDonogh was impressed by Dignam’s potential, saying, “He feels like a quality sort of horse. He was gawking the whole way down the straight and lugging out to his right a little, just having a good look around. It’s all inexperience, and I’d say he’ll improve with a bit of a lead next time.”
Malex Impresses in the Rockwell College Race
In the Rockwell College Race, trainer Adrian Murray and jockey David Egan teamed up to secure a victory with Malex, running in the Amo Racing colors. The five-year-old gelding, who previously had one start in the U.S. after switching from Michael O’Callaghan to Jorge Delgado, showed he still possesses plenty of ability.
Sent off at 4-1, Malex faced stiff competition from Star Galaxy, but ultimately came out on top, winning by a length and a quarter. Despite having been highly tried as a three-year-old, Malex demonstrated that he still has plenty to offer, making his mark at Tipperary.
“We’ve had him about six months, and we weren’t really sure what to expect today,” said Murray. “He came back from America with a bit of an injury, but he’s recovered well. You never really know until you run them, but he’d been working well at home and came through with flying colors.”
Murray added, “He’s picked up a little cut during the race, but hopefully he’ll be fine in a few days.”
With these victories, both O’Brien and Murray have plenty to look forward to as the season progresses, and all three horses—Tennessee Stud, Dignam, and Malex—look set to continue their upward trajectories.
