State Of Rest first 2020 juvenile winner for Joseph

Joseph O’Brien said in a radio interview just before Irish racing resumed that he thought he had some nice two-year-olds to go into battle with, and State Of Rest (6/1) looked a juvenile of promise when taking the opening Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden.

He picked up well from mid-division to run down the always handy 13/8 favourite Giorgio Vasari in the straight, although the latter showed good battling qualities when headed. There was half a length in it at the line, with the pair nicely clear of the others headed by Equilove (12/1).

The winner, by Starspangledbanner, cost 60,000gns as a yearling and his unraced dam is a half-sister to Prince Alzain, a Listed winner over 10f a few years ago for Ger Butler. It was a first winner since the resumption of racing for Declan McDonogh, and a second in all of the season.

“Joseph always liked him at home and he worked nicely,” said assistant trainer Brendan Powell.

“He probably wants seven and even further in time. Declan said he has a lot of bottle and he's tough. All he can do is improve from that.

“Declan said it was well watered and was beautiful ground, not as firm as they thought it was going to be.

“This is a big horse and he's got a future, hopefully. We've run a few two-year-olds and it's nice to get the first winner.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson