A Beautiful day to shed the maiden tag

Aidan O'Brien brought up a double in race two at the Curragh when I Am Beautiful (12/1) benefited from a dashing Seamie Heffernan ride to land the Group 3 Grangecon Stud Stakes (fillies) at the Curragh.

Breaking her maiden on start number three, I Am Beautiful, a daughter of first-season sire, Rip Van Winkle, made all, to add to the gains in the opener for Ballydoyle with Gleneagles Jeanne Girl and the well-backed Quinta Verde saw out their races well but they were still just a short head and a nose off I Am Beautiful at the line.

Joseph O'Brien rode the other Ballydoyle hope, As Good As Gold (10/1) but that one had to settle for eighth place.

"That was great and Seamus gave her a very good ride. She's probably had a tough enough race and now we wouldn't mind stepping her up in trip and taking our time with her especially after she's won her Group race.

"She's very well bred and those type of fillies tend to progress," stated O'Brien.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Stormfly trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal , having lost a hind shoe in running.

(GC & EM)