Irish racegoers could be forgiven for wondering who The Tartan Spartan is, but the colt, trained in Co Kilkenny and having his ninth career start, made a winning Irish debut at Down Royal today when landing the featured Listed Her Majesty's Plate.

Trainer Pat Shanahan and owner Thistle Bloodstock Limited often campaign their horses in Britain and while The Tartan Spartan initially raced in Britain, including a down-the-field finish in last year’s English St Leger, he ventured to France for his latest run, when fifth at Chantilly.

Today the son of The Carbon Unit was tasting action in another country, Northern Ireland, but admittadly his own jurisdiction and following his win under jockey Ronan Whelan, Shanahan stated that’s not bad for his first run in Ireland!

“He’s a nice horse, and always has been a nice horse.

“Long-term we could head for the Melbourne Cup if he gets high enough in the ratings. I’d imagine his next target will probably be the Irish Leger. If he runs well in the Leger he could go up again.

"He's a massive, big horse. We didn't train him as a two-year-old and he won a very good maiden in Thirsk as a three-year-old. He's been campaigned high but he is back to his own level now. He has been knocking on the door in very competitive races."

Quotes from Michael Graham