Leading stallion Starspangledbanner completed an opening races Dundalk double today as his gelded son Vanguard Star (5/2f) landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden for trainer Joseph O'Brien.

Carrying the colours of the Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate and ridden by Shane Crosse, the three year old made all in his three and a half lengths win over Almendares 0AO'Brien's assistant Brendan Powell reported "he's got the experience, had decent enough form last year and we decided to let him use his experience today.

“He was a bit keen early and I was wondering whether he would get home, but he stays the trip well and galloped all the way to the line. I'd say there will be more in behind that will come out and win next time and Willie Browne's horse (fourth-placed newcomer Roaming Star looked to be a bit green.”

Starspangledbanner's 2023 stallion fee has increased from €22,500 in 2021, to €50,000 this year, due in part to the success of his O'Brien-trained son State Of Rest, which was a four-time Group 1 winner across four countries last summer.

Quotes from Michael Graham