Royal Dornach (left) and Donnacha O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Richmond Stakes-third placed Royal Dornach got off the mark at the fourth attempt at Gowran today as Aidan O'Brien's colt landed the Irish EBF Supporting ICW (C & G) Maiden under the trainer's son Donnacha O'Brien.
The son of Gleneagles was a smart third-placer at Goodwood's recent August fixture and today got the better of Edward Hopper when scoring a half length win.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien today indicated stable-jockey Ryan Moore may remain in England to ride Sir Dragonet in the St Leger on September 14, leaving son Donnacha with a possible big-race ride on Japan in the clashing Irish Champion Stakes.
Following the jockey's latest win, he stated “he (Royal Dornach) was rated to win and it's nice to get a win into him. I think he wants better ground and I think he'll stay a little bit further. He's learning a lot and that was his most professional performance.
“He's grown up a lot on his last few runs. He used to get very sweaty and upset at the starts but he was good today, relaxed well, quickened up well and I was always holding Colin (Keane, on Edward Hopper).
“He's a nice horse and is improving the whole time. We probably won't see him at his best until we go a mile on quick ground.
“He's run around a little bit in a few previous races but in fairness to him today he was very straight.
“They were high class horses he was behind previously so this was a step down.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
