Admiral Nelson setting sail for Ascot after Curragh success

‘He travelled well and could be a Coventry horse’.

Admiral Nelson staked a late claim for Royal Ascot as he accounted for a better-fancied stablemate in the Tally-Ho Stud Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at the Curragh

Aidan O’Brien fielded three newcomers in the five-furlong contest, with Merchants Quay appearing to be the yard’s first string with Seamie Heffernan aboard.

However, it was Wayne Lordan’s mount who impressed the most, travelling stylishly and moving with authority at the finish to win by a cosy length from 11-10 favourite Merchants Quay.

O’Brien said of his 5-1 scorer: “He travelled well and could be a Coventry horse. It will depend how he comes out of this and he’ll have to go straight to Ascot. He won’t be doing anything after this because it is so close.

“It’s far from ideal, but we are lucky to have got a race into them. We have run two or three in each of the races (since racing resumed in Ireland on Monday).

“It’s different times, but we are lucky to have the races.”

He added: “We think the second is a nice horse as well. Seamus said he was just a little bit in his hands and maybe travelled a little bit too strong. It’s possible he could go as well (Royal Ascot), but they may not all get in.”

Galileo Chrome could take up an entry in the Irish Derby
Galileo Chrome could take up an entry in the Irish Derby (PA)

Joseph O’Brien got on the scoreboard via Galileo Chrome in the 10-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden.

The 4-1 shot was fifth on his only start last year, but stepped up on that to claim a head verdict over King Of The Throne in a thrilling finish.

O’Brien said: “He’d a lovely run last year and had wintered well. He was working nicely and we thought he was a pretty nice maiden.

“He’s entered in the Derby here and you would have to take it into consideration, but it would be a big enough ask for him to step straight in there after today.

“He’s a nice colt and a middle-distance type horse. A mile and a half would be no problem to him. He would be better going further and is still a big baby. I like him a lot.

“Latrobe won his maiden and went straight there (Irish Derby), but they are different horses. We might find a stepping stone for this horse rather than go for the Irish Derby, but we’ll see how he is.”

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Aidan O'Brien Royal Ascot Festival Admiral Nelson

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