Owning's Spirit beats Ballydoyle pair

The Joseph O’Brien trained once-raced Eagle Spirit defeated a pair of his father Aidan O’Brien-trained newcomers to win the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden at Leopardstown today.

Ridden by the winning trainer’s brother Donnacha O’Brien, Eagle Spirit stayed on well when pressurised in the home straight for a half length win over Venezuala, with a further half-length back to Diodorus both of whom represent Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle team.

Following the win, Owning based Joseph O’Brien stated “he had a nice run here first time.

“Donnacha said it wasn't ideal making the running as he was quite green in front and he'll be better taking his time.

“He's a nice colt and will step up in grade now.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson