Naas

Naas's opening six-furlong fillies' maiden on Monday has a rich recent history and there was a lot to suggest that Ballydoyle's Simply Astounding (Wootton Bassett {GB}) can add another chapter. The fourth foal out of the high-achiever Minding (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), the 11-8 favourite was out smartly and able to keep close tabs on the leading pair with Ryan Moore enjoying a straightforward trip. In front two out, the homebred drew away along with the well-regarded Cape Sounion (Ire) (No Nay Never) to beat that Donnacha O'Brien-trained rival by 1...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations features a daughter of dual Classic winner Minding (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). 5.05 Naas, Mdn, €18,000, 2yo, f, 5f 205yT SIMPLY ASTOUNDING (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is a significant presence in a significant maiden, being the fourth foal out of the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks heroine Minding (Ire) (Galileo...

The Irish EBF Barrier Trials are soon to return with three dates approved from May to August, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) announced on Wednesday. Naas will again host the first day on Monday, May 26 on the inside track over six and seven furlongs, with Dundalk staging the middle fixture on Monday, July 7. The final date is set for Leopardstown on Wednesday, August 27, again over six and seven furlongs. As in the past, each fixture will be restricted to named and unraced two-year-olds and three-year-olds with stalls certificates....

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features the return of a 'TDN Rising Star'. 5.30 Naas, Cond, €17,000, 3yo, 8fT ACAPULCO BAY (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) ended his juvenile campaign as one of Ballydoyle's plethora of TDN Rising Stars and has recently drawn favourable mention from Aidan O'Brien when quizzed about his crop of...

During 2019, we were fortunate to have Pat Smullen as a regular and immensely popular columnist for TDN. The struggle the former champion jockey faced in his life at that stage never coloured the effort and enthusiasm he put into reporting his weekly thoughts and valuable insights on racing.  One aspect that really shone through was how much he was dedicated to encouraging the younger members of the weighing-room, not to mention boosting the profile of the sport as a whole. That determination to help others was seen again in...

Denise O'Brien of Clonbonny Stud, who will consign 16 lots to the Goffs December NH Sale this week, will shave her head for the Julian Benson CF Foundation at Naas on Tuesday evening. The fundraiser will assist the foundation in building Tranquility House, a 'home away from home' for children, adults and their families living with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. Over 1,400 people live with CF in Ireland. To donate and support Denise's efforts, please visit her idonate page

Ballydoyle's Bounty (Ire) (No Nay Never--Rosdhu Queen {Ire}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) had little to beat in the six-furlong maiden at Naas on Sunday and made no mistake to open his account in style. Runner-up on debut in a Curragh maiden last month, the son of the 2012 G1 Cheveley Park Stakes heroine was contained on the front end throughout the early stages by Wayne Lordan and went through the race untroubled en route to a bloodless 4 1/2-length success from Iceford (Ire) (Beckford {GB}) as the 2-9 favourite. The...

Making amends for his debut flop, Ballydoyle's 2million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 topper Galveston (GB) (Frankel {GB}--Bizzarria {GB}, by Lemon Drop Kid) led at every step to break his maiden at Naas on Saturday. Sent off at 100-30 for the mile contest, he was sent on by Gavin Ryan and stayed on dourly up the straight to record a half-length success from Local Lad (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}). "He's a big, strong colt and was very good from the gates today to put himself into a good position...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a seven-figure Keeneland September graduate. 2.00 Naas, Mdn, €18,000, 2yo, 8fT JOUSTING (Into Mischief) cost $1.2million at Keeneland September and makes his eagerly-awaited debut for Ballydoyle. A full-brother to the triple grade I heroine Gina Romantica and half to the GI Santa Anita Handicap-winning sire Gift...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a Tattersalls October Book 1 topper. 17.40 Naas, Debutantes, €18,000, 2yo, 7fT GALVESTON (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is a big deal debuting at a track that Aidan O'Brien favours, being the Coolmore partners and Peter Brant's 2million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 topper. Out of a full-sister...

Ger Lyons's reserve of smart 2-year-olds is deep this season and another stepped forward on Sunday as the newcomer Revoke (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}--Discipline {GB}, by Dansili {GB}) impressed in the opening six-furlong maiden. Prominent from the outset under Colin Keane racing in the far-side group, the 11-10 favourite took command two out and stayed on powerfully to record a 4 3/4-length success from Say Yes To Dreams (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}). "Colin said she's done what we said she'd do at home which is lovely," Lyons said. "That's her first time away...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features the half-sister to an American multiple Grade I winner.  13.57 Naas, Mdn, €18,000, 2yo, f, 5f 205yT DRAMATIC (Medaglia D'Oro) was a $1.5-million purchase by Coolmore at the 2022 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale and becomes the latest Aidan O'Brien juvenile to come out to play....