The Irish Flat season opened at The Curragh on Sunday last the 16th of March but our first winner of the new season won far away, on that day,  in Japan.  We have got off to a good start with a winner both on March 16th and 17th and we look forward to an exciting year ahead particularly with our two year olds.  Four sold at the Orby 1 and the Book 1 Sales for in excess of €500,000.  Our foaling and breeding season has got off to a good start with eighteen foals on the ground by early March and with seven mares scanned for a January foal in 2026.

January - July

Dutch Kingdom

21st March 2025

Dutch Kingdom had won in September and in October 2024 when he was beaten by a short head at Southwell on November 12th.  Given three months rest he returned to Southwell on Friday and went to post unfancied at 14/1.  With an official rating of 90 on the all weather he carried top in this valuable handicap which was worth Stg. £8,000 to the winner.  Being patiently ridden for much of the 7f trip he got up in the shadow of the post to deny the 2/1 favourite.

We would like to congratulate owner, Harraton Court Stables and trainer Darryll Holland for the wonderful job he has done with this horse, now getting his seventh win.  Though the handicapper has increased his rating by 15 lbs in September 2024 more wins can be expected at his favourite all weather courses.
Warrior Mode

17th March 2025

Warrior Mode (Night of Thunder X Serene Beauty) did not race at two and made his racecourse debut at Wolverhampton in the BetMGM Novice Stakes (Class 4) on Monday.  Though this was his racing debut, his ability had not gone unnoticed and he went to post at the short price of 5/2.  Racing in third and fourth spot from the outset he moved through on the rails at the 1f mark and ran out an easy 1½ length winner.  This race was over 7f and he looks a very exciting prospect when stepped up in distance.

Warrior Mode is by the exciting Dubawi sire, Night of Thunder.  Serene Beauty has a yearling filly by Ghaiyyath – another son by Dubawi.  She has a Sioux Nation foal born this month and will return to one of the Dubawi sons.
So Darn Right

16th March 2025

So Darn Right (Too Darn Hot X Leafhopper) won in Tokyo as a 2YO in November 2024.  Her next race in January 2025 was at group level where she finished a close 4th. At Nakayama on Sunday she went to post as favourite and did not disappoint her followers.  Staying close to the pace she took the lead 1f out and won this Allowance race by a cosy three quarters of a length.  With just five runs in her career to date she has earned $135,000 so she will now move on to race at group level.

Leafhopper has a No Nay Never foal on the ground and is in foal to Too Darn Hot from a February cover.