Thorne leaning towards Irish Lincoln for Gleneagle Bay
Gleneagle Bay (centre) in action at the Curragh
© Photo Healy Racing
Stephen Thorne has made an impressive start to his training career and is hoping progressive handicapper Gleneagle Bay can provide him with a high-profile victory this spring.
The rookie trainer already has nine victories on the board since taking out a licence last autumn and Gleneagle Bay is being prepared for a tilt at a 'Lincoln' with Doncaster and the Curragh both under consideration.
The lightly raced five-year-old gelding won on his belated debut for Joseph O’Brien at Dundalk last year and after been purchased by Shamrock Thoroughbreds for 85,000 guineas, filled the runner-up spot twice in Premier Handicaps including the €150,000 Sovereign Path at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend.
The son of Gleneagles is among the entries for the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster, but ground conditions will play an important part in where he reappears.
“I think it will just depend on the ground whether it is the English one or the Irish one,” said Thorne, whose Hightimeyouwon led home a 1-2 for the yard at Dundalk on Wednesday.
“I'd say he would probably be one of the fancied horses for the Irish version if the ground is not too testing.
“We'll see how he is shaping up. We'll probably go the Irish one if the ground is suitable.”
Additional reporting by Michael Graham