Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- irishracing.com
- Cheltenham
- News
- Great start for Sir John at the Curragh
Great start for Sir John at the Curragh
Sir John Hawkins (nearside) beat Intensified (middle) and Sudirman at the Curragh
© Photo Healy Racing
Sir John Hawkins lacks nothing on pedigree and despite a little market unease the juvenile made a most pleasing debut when landing the Big Bad Bob European Breeders Fund (C & G) Maiden at the Curragh.
The mating of Henrythenavigator and Peeping Fawn was a match made in heaven and with his tongue lolling out, their son, Sir John Hawkins did them proud when travelling well throughout before prevailing in the six furlong opener under Joseph O'Brien.
When asked for his effort from over a furlong out, Sir John Hawkins quickened well inside the last to eventually see off the fancied pair, Intensified (the second favourite) and the front-runner, Sudirman (10s this morning into 11/2) by three parts of a length and a head.
Aidan O'Brien, the winning trainer, said: "You'd have to be delighted with that. I was afraid he might be a bit babyish but he got a lovely lead and loves the fast ground.
"What can I say – he is by Henry out of Peeping Fawn – all I can do is destroy him after that!
"He'll have learned plenty from that. Whether Royal Ascot would come too quick I'm not sure.
"He has loads of speed. He was a bit green today but he'll learn more by being up there." (GC & EM)