Poetic Flare's juvenile form received an inconsequential upgrade at Sligo today by The Blue Panther winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race, a race run 25 minutes after Royal Ascot's St James's Palace Stakes.

Both Poetic Flare and The Blue Panther began their respective careers in Ireland's opening maiden of the year at Naas in March 2020, finishing first and third respectively, with Poetic Flare graduating to Classic glory and dominating today's St James's Palace Stakes.

Not to be outdone, The Blue Panther has found a niche as a handicapper, running 11 times as a juvenile, culminating with a run in the Birdcatcher in November and today, on his 18th career outing, scooted around the tight track to win by seven lengths from Easy Flow.

Today's Sligo races are to be started by flag-start due to a mechanical issue with the starting stalls and afterwards trainer Mulvany stated “he got away nicely and with no stalls that’s going to be crucial. Once he got out there, he was always going to stay.

“He handles all types of ground and ran well the last day (fourth at Listowel), he just ran into a couple. He’s been knocking on the door and the conditions of this race really suited him”

“Whatever it is, my horses seem to like the country air!”

Quotes from Mark Nunan