Dune delivers for O’Brien

PA Sport Reporters
January 28, 2020 6:00 pm

Irish trainer’s first Southwell runner is a winner.

Dune Of Pilat looked a highly-promising three-year-old as he landed a facile victory for Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien in the Bombardier Golden Beer Novice Stakes at Southwell.

The Medaglia d’Oro colt was a first runner at the track for O’Brien, and a first ride there too for 3lb claiming apprentice Shane Crosse.

Their venture to Nottinghamshire could hardly have gone smoother as Dune Of Pilat, who has a Derby entry, brushed aside his four rivals with consummate ease.

Successful at Dundalk on his second start last month, the 1-4 favourite breezed into the lead two furlongs out and pulled away to score by eight lengths from Looktothelight.

O’Brien said: “We’re delighted with him. He did it nicely, and Shane gave him a nice ride.

“Being an American-bred horse, we thought there was a chance he would handle the surface. It looked a suitable race, and the timing of it was suitable. It all worked out well.

“We thought it would be a good experience for him in case he ends up going to Dubai or America in the future, if he proves to be good enough to do that.

“We might run him in a Listed race back at Dundalk next at the end of February- and go from there.

“I think the experience of running today will do him good.”

Crosse told Sky Sports Racing: “He was a bit keen early and he was in front a long way, but he’s a got a great attitude and a big, massive stride.

“Hopefully he’s improving.

“From his first run to his second, he stepped up loads – and from the last day to today, he felt even stronger.”