The Parthenon builds on Curragh foundations

The Parthenon trained by Aidan O'Brien for the Coolmore partners, made fairly heavy weather of landing odds of 4/11 in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

The son of Kingman, not beaten far in a Group 3 at the Curragh on debut, was pushed along in mid-division approaching the straight but came through to dispute the lead with newcomer Loch Tay over a furlong out. Wayne Lordan's mount went on inside the final 150 yards to account for that rival by three parts of a length. 

“He had to work, he's still very green and raw,” said stable representative Chris Armstrong.

“Obviously he had a very good run at the Curragh first time, to start in a Group 3 he ran very creditably. 

“The step up to seven definitely helped him but coming around abend for the first time he was very green. He jumped slow and it was going to be tricky for him but his ability got him through. 

“He'll be a nice horse in time and we could maybe go for something like the Tyros Stakes with him next. It's nice to get a bracket for him and he'll step up into group company now.”

Quotes from Gary Carson