Progressive Astronomer brings up his hat-trick

Aidan O'Brien's Astronomer brought up his hat-trick in convincing fashion at Listowel.

The three-year-old son of Galileo was much too good for his rivals in the 50,000 euro handicap over a mile and a half.

He closed up on South East with half a mile to travel before moving through to hit the front two and a half furlongs out.

The 2/1 favourite was ridden clear over a furlong out and strode right away to score by seven lengths. Lady Camelot won the race for second at 6/1, half a length up on Maysiyana (10/3).

Jockey Donnacha O'Brien said: "He's not a bad horse and is lovely and lazy out the country and doesn't do anymore than he has to. I think the step up in trip might suit him more.

"You take them each run at a time but he is definitely progressive and is very likeable. He has to be a Group horse after the rating he's going to get now and if he keeps progressing you wouldn't know what he is going to be."

Astronomer won his maiden in Galway before winning a handicap at Bellewstown over an extended mile and three.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes