Freshman Sire Far Above Off The Mark At Cork

Starfield Stud resident Far Above (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) became Europe's latest first-crop sire to get off the mark when his Jessica Harrington-trained son Rock N Roll Rocket (Ire) made a winning debut over five furlongs in Friday's €25,000 Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden at Cork.

1st-Cork, €25,000, Mdn, 5-10, 2yo, 5fT, 1:00.41, gd.
ROCK N ROLL ROCKET (IRE) (c, 2, Far Above {Ire}–California Tee {GB}, by Kheleyf) was positioned in mid division after an alert getaway in this debut. Inching forward from halfway, the 16-1 chance came under pressure with a quarter-mile remaining and was ridden out inside the final furlong to deny Powerful Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation) by a short-head nearing the line. “He was bred by Con [Marnane], which is great, and he'll now be nominated to head off to the [Listed] Windsor Castle or [G2] Norfolk [at Royal Ascot],” said trainer Jessica Harrington. “He absolutely loves that [good] ground and has to have it quick. He was professional today, but he'll definitely need another run before Ascot. I think he did it through ability rather than anything.” Marnane added, “He is the first winner by the stallion and the first foal to run out of the mare as well, so if there are any more ones like this fella, we'll be delighted to have them. Far Above is a cheap stallion [€5,000], but was a very, very fast racehorse and was brilliant. Michael Orlandi owns him and stands him [at Starfield Stud].” Rock N Roll Rocket is the second of three foals and first runner produced by a multiple-winning granddaughter of Peryllys (GB) (Warning {GB}), herself a half-sister to the dual stakes-winning Never So Sure (GB) (Never So Bold {Ire}), Listed Grand Prix de Rouen victor Honest Word (GB) (Touching Wood) and G3 Cornwallis S., G3 Prix du Petit Couvert and G3 Prix de Seine-et-Oise placegetter Cragside (GB) (Hot Spark {Ire}). The February-foaled homebred bay, full-brother to a yearling filly, hails from the family of Group-winning G1 2000 Guineas runner-up Glory Awaits (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}). Sales history: £11,000 RNA Ylg '23 GOFFUK. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $16,173.
O-Amy & Olivia Marnane; B-Con Marnane (IRE); T-Jessica Harrington.

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wins on debut over 5f at Cork for @Jessica_Racing & @amymarnane @BanshaHouse

Congratulations to connections #FarAboveTheSpeedLimit @CompasStallions @MichealOrlandi @jackcantillon pic.twitter.com/QtYhknz4zx

— Archie Brookes (@brookesbldstck) May 10, 2024