By Sean Cronin
Ana O'Brien made the breakthrough as an owner at Killarney on Wednesday when Group 1 entrant A Boy Named Susie (Starspangledbanner), who is trained by her brother Donnacha, created a big impression to land a race that Derby hero Lambourn was successful in 12 months ago.
There was huge significance to Ana's first success as an owner given it came eight years after she suffered a career-ending fall at the track.
Lambourn is not the only high-class horse to have emerged victorious from the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race at Killarney with Iridessa and Luxembourg also featuring on the roll of honour.
Connections of A Boy Named Susie are rightly dreaming big with the G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes entry who ran out three lengths too strong for a field that included a previous winner.
Ana said, “In fairness Donnacha always liked this horse and I'm delighted he came out and did that. It's my first time back here since my fall, so thankfully this is a much better day.”
Sent to post a 100-30 chance, A Boy Named Susie broke to the fore and accepted a tow in second after the initial exchanges. Looming large on the bridle with a quarter-mile remaining, he quickened to the front entering the final furlong and was pushed clear in the closing stages to defeat Bellamano (Lucky Vega) in decisive fashion.
Donnacha commented, “We thought he was good as he did a really, really good piece of work up the Curragh a few weeks ago.
“This auction race looked a tough ask as he was giving away weight to winners and it is a tough track first time out, but he is obviously just smart.
“For an auction race at Killarney, it has thrown up Iridessa, Luxembourg and last year Lambourn and a few Group Two winners as well, so it's a nice start for him.
“They hacked and then sprinted, but I think he could be a proper one. He has plenty gears for a big horse.”
Regarding a serious fall suffered by the successful owner at the track in July 2017, he said: “It is a better experience for Ana than the last time she was here and that's her first winner as an owner as well.”
A Boy Named Susie, half to a yearling filly by State Of Rest, is the seventh of eight foals and third scorer out of an unraced half-sister to dual Group 1-placed sire Mehmas (Acclamation).
The April-foaled bay's dam Soho Susie (Montjeu) is also a kin to the dams of black-type performers Siamsa (Starspangledbanner), Heritage House (Dark Angel) and Pivotal Connection (Pivotal).
🗣️”His work was very good at home.”
Donnacha O'Brien has become the first person to train a winner in the colours of his sister Ana after A Boy Named Susie scored on debut @KillarneyRaces.
The question is, will the colt be carrying the same colours next time it runs? pic.twitter.com/7BipzlMzKe
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 16, 2025
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