Ballydoyle's second string wins on debut

Family Tree completed a ‘1-3’ for trainer Aidan O’Brien at Gowran today when making a fine winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden and in the process foiling a gamble on stablemate and eventual third-placed Madrid

Once-raced Madrid had been backed from 4/1 generally early this morning and from 6/4 on track in to 11/8 at the off, in contrast to stablemate debutante Family Tree who was friendless in the market and was returned a 5/1 chance.

In the race Madrid, under Donnacha O’Brien, battled Meaghers Flag in the home straight and while Meaghers Flag got the better of that particular duel, Family Tree finished in the style of a good horse, and edged ahead close home.

Approaching the line Family Tree displayed signs of greeness with a jink but went by the three parts of a length winner over Meaghers Flag, with Madrid third.

Family Tree, a son of Galileo and 420,000gns yearling purchase, is a half-brother to dual 2012 Group 1 juvenile winner Reckless Abandon, who proved sub-fertile at stud. Following today’s race, Heffernan stated “it was a nice performance. He was a bit green and there could be plenty of improvement "

Quotes from Alan Magee