Red Letter day for O'Callaghan

Trainer Michael O'Callaghan recorded his first Listed win at Naas today when his Letters Of Note landed the featured Listed Yeomanstown Stud Dark Angel European Breeders Fund Stakes for owners Pearl Bloodstock and jockey Pat Smullen.

The winning daughter of Azamour battled well when strongly pressed in the closing stages, for a head win over Byzantium

O'Callaghan, who began training in the 2012, later commented "that's great and it's nice to have a bit of lucky for them lads (Pearl Bloodstock)!

"Pat gave her a great ride; he said it was too slow for her and he had to go and go for it. He said the better the race the better she'll be as she has lots and lots of speed.

"When the other filly (Byzantium) came she battled again and toughed it out.

"We've always thought she was a nice filly, she's big and being by Azamour she should keep improving.

"She's after having a few races now and we'll make all the entries but might give her a few easy weeks."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson