Great start for Sir John at the Curragh

Sir John Hawkins lacks nothing on pedigree and despite a little market unease the juvenile made a most pleasing debut when landing the Big Bad Bob European Breeders Fund (C & G) Maiden at the Curragh.

The mating of Henrythenavigator and Peeping Fawn was a match made in heaven and with his tongue lolling out, their son, Sir John Hawkins did them proud when travelling well throughout before prevailing in the six furlong opener under Joseph O'Brien.

When asked for his effort from over a furlong out, Sir John Hawkins quickened well inside the last to eventually see off the fancied pair, Intensified (the second favourite) and the front-runner, Sudirman (10s this morning into 11/2) by three parts of a length and a head.

Aidan O'Brien, the winning trainer, said: "You'd have to be delighted with that. I was afraid he might be a bit babyish but he got a lovely lead and loves the fast ground.

"What can I say – he is by Henry out of Peeping Fawn – all I can do is destroy him after that!

"He'll have learned plenty from that. Whether Royal Ascot would come too quick I'm not sure.

"He has loads of speed. He was a bit green today but he'll learn more by being up there." (GC & EM)