Sinawann strikes for Halford & Whelan in Amethyst

Michael Halford and Ronan Whelan teamed up to land the Amethyst Stakes with the Aga Khan’s home-bred colt Sinawann at Leopardstown.

The son of Kingman was sent off the 6/5 favourite for this Group 3 event and had the form in the book having filled the runner-up spot here last year in the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes and was also sixth on his reappearance in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas last month.

Whelan’s mount was prominent throughout and, after asserting to go two lengths clear a furlong out, was driven out to hold on by a length from Confidence High.

New World Tapestry helped to set much of the pace but could find no extra to finish a further three quarters of a length back in third.

Halford said, “We’re delighted to get him back on the winning trail and he loved that ground and trip today.

“It probably didn’t suit him being lonely out in front. He’d been very lazy at home but he’d always stay going when he hears a horse coming to him. We wouldn’t be riding him to sprint.

“I’ve nothing in particular in mind for him. He was better for the run in the Guineas.

“We’ll have to see if he can go further. He has nice pace, travels well and he stays.”