Intricately (nearside) just gets the better of Hydrangea© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O’Brien saddled his first Group 1 winner and his younger brother Donnacha recorded his first success at the top level as Intricately landed the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh.
Indeed it was a complete family affair for the O’Brien’s as the Fastnet Rock filly is bred by their parents Aidan and Anne Marie under the Whisperview Trading Ltd banner, and Aidan supplied the second and third in the seven furlong test. Hydrangea and Intricately fought out a terrific tussle inside the final furlong with just a short-head separating the pair at the line. Rhododendron could find no extra a length and three quarters back in third, while stable-companion and evens favourite Promise To Be True was fifth.
A delighted Joseph O’Brien (23) said, “This means the world to me. It’s Donnacha’s first Group 1 and my mum bred her. She’s very tough, and Donnacha was very strong on her.
“She’s in the Fillies Mile at Newmarket, and we’ll see how she comes out of this. She doesn’t have to run again this season.
“I can’t believe she was 25/1 as she was only a length behind the second favourite (Rhododendron) the last day. You probably get a bigger kick out of training winners than riding them as a lot more work goes into it.”
Aidan O’Brien said, “The respect those two lads showed me wasn’t very good! I know I shouldn’t be saying this but I was hoping our filly wouldn’t win by a head — that’s the reality. It’s so hard to win Group 1 races and I’m very happy to miss out on this one.
“We trained a lot of winners where Joseph is training but never had a Group 1 winner there. It’s a great day."
Intricately has been introduced at 25/1 with both Paddy Power and Betfair for next year's 1,000 Guineas. Ladbrokes go 20/1, while she's just 16/1 with Boylesports.
