O'Brien strikes Gold with a second impressive winner

Trainer Joseph O'Brien completed a Leopardstown double with two capable Galileo Gold-sired females today, completing the feat in the featured Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Heritage Stakes with Goldana (4/9f).

Third on seasonal reappearance in the Heritage Staks last month, five-year-old mare Goldana today held a narrow lead over runner-up Power Under Me throughout the final furlong but held on well for a half-length win.

Successful jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle had earlier steered O'Brien's Galileo Gold-sired filly Galileo Dame to an impressive opening-race maiden win.

Following his double O'Brien said “she really deserved it as she had been running well with penalties through the end of last season and also on her first run this year. I'm delighted to get her head in front and she's beaten two very good geldings.

“She gave away a lot of weight on her first run of the year, when she bumped into two smart fillies, and got a little bit tired.

“She'll probably step back into group company now and she's particularly effective on soft ground - wherever she goes she'll be kept on easier ground.

“She's a Group 3 and Listed winner and it would be great if we could get her into Group 2s. There is a nice one on Guineas weekend but obviously we'll be guided by conditions.”

Quotes from Gary Carson