Emerald shines in the Blenheim Stakes

Shining Emerald followed up on his easy maiden success at Listowel, as he took the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Blenheim Stakes.

The Paul Deegan trained son of Clodovil finished second and third on his first two starts, but he made it third time lucky at Listowel, winning by an unprecedented sixteen lengths.

He was sent off at just 7/2 this afternoon and having raced towards the rear in the early stages, the victorious Jaber Abdullah owned colt made progress under Chris Hayes two furlongs out.

He came through to lead around a furlong from home, keeping on strongly from there to score comfortably by three lengths. Guerre for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien, was sent off the 8/11 favourite but he had no answer once headed by the winner, and he had to settle for second, while Monsieur Power was three and a quarter lengths back in third under Declan McDonogh for Eddie Lynam at 12/1.

Paul Deegan said afterwards: "He did a bit of work before Listowel that was excellent with Avenue Gabriel and a few older horses, and his form overall is very solid.

"It is beautiful good ground out there today, it is what I would call no excuse ground.

"Hopefully he will go now for the Killavullan Stakes (Leopardstown October 26th). He is fairly versatile in regards to trip. He quickened well and put it to bed.

"He is an exciting colt for next year. All going well he will start off in a guineas trial, but that is a long way off."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee