Hannibal Barca and Shane Crosse © Photo Healy Racing
Hannibal Barca made a bright start for Joseph O’Brien when landing the Group 3 Heider Family Stables Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh.
The Zoffany colt was a smart sort for Brian Meehan last year winning at Salisbury and beaten only about two lengths in fourth when thrown in the deep end behind Luxembourg in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster before being bought by current connections for half a million guineas.
The 7/4 favourite edged left when striking the front early in the final furlong under Shane Crosse and survived a stewards enquiry after beating Lyrical Poetry by a length. Boundless Ocean was the main one hampered in the incident finishing another length-and-three-quarters back in third.
O'Brien said, "He was obviously a good two-year-old, we just had a little hold up so we ended up starting today. I'm delighted to get the season started off nicely with him. Thanks to Mick (Donohoe) for trusting me with him and hopefully he's a horse that can go forward from here.
“I thought he did well because I thought it set up for the horses closer to the speed. Shane had to move out to get a clear run and I thought he gave him a good ride the way the race worked out tactically.
“He hit the line well and I think it was a good enough performance. Coming here I wasn't sure how far we would be going but looking at the race you'd be going further rather than shorter.”
When asked if he could take up his engagement in the Irish Derby he added, “He also has options in Ascot and I'd imagine it will be one or the other.”
(GC & AM)
