Donal Murphy
Infanta provides Henry with first winner
Infanta Branca (right) under Joseph O'Brien have the measure of Leitir Mor in the opener
© Photo Healy Racing
The opening race at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden over five furlongs for 2yo's only, saw Henrythenavigator record his first winner as a stallion as his daughter Infanta Branca scored at the odds of 1/3 favourite.
Ridden by Joseph O'Brien for his father Aidan, the bay filly soon hit the front after leaving the stalls and was pushed out inside the final furlong to record a half a length victory over the Jim Bolger trained newcomer Leitir Mor in second at 9/2 (backed from 6/1).
The winner was having her second career start this afternoon having finished a good second on her debut at Cork earlier this month where she finished two and a half lengths behind the Jessica Harrington trained newcomer Liberating.
Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "That is the first winner for Henrythenavigator.
"She is very fast and exciting. Like a lot of our other Henrythenavigator 2yo's she has his speed. We always thought a lot of her.
"Joseph said she hit the gates and was there (in front) very earlier but he let her stride on. She will go for the Marble Hill Stakes next."