Admiral Nelson is Royal Ascot bound

Ballydoyle registered a 1-2 in the opening Tally-Ho Stud Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh today with taking winner Admiral Nelson likely to fly to England next week for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Admiral Nelson, a son of leading sire Kingman, was 5/1 second favourite behind stablemate and eventual runner-up Merchants Quay the 11/10 favourite.

In the race, Admiral Nelson, under Wayne Lordan, travelled powerfully throughout and while he chased leading Merchants Quay with a furlong to race, quickened past and in the end scored a length win.

O’Brien later said “he (Admiral Nelson) travelled well and could be a Coventry horse. It will depend how he comes out of this and he’ll have to go straight to Ascot. He won’t be doing anything after this because it is so close.

“It’s far from ideal but we are lucky to have got a race into them. We have run two or three in each of the races. It’s different times but we are lucky to have the races.

“Wayne said it’s lovely fast ground - very safe, but proper Flat ground.

“We think the second (Merchants Quay) is a nice horse as well. Seamus said he was just a little bit in his hands and maybe travelled a little bit too strong. It’s possible he could go as well (to Royal Ascot) but they may not all get in.”

Paddy Power have introduced the winner at 7/1 for the Coventry Stakes.

Quotes from Alan Magee