By Sean Cronin
Racing in the colours of trainer Michael Bell's son Nick, The Lir Jet (Ire) (Prince of Lir {Ire}) became the first winner for his Ballyhane Stud-based freshman sire (by Kodiac {GB}), posting a new track record at Great Yarmouth.
3rd-Great Yarmouth, £6,400, Nov, 6-3, 2yo, 5f 42yT, :59.00 (NTR), g/f.
THE LIR JET (IRE) (c, 2, Prince of Lir {Ire}–Paper Dreams {Ire}, by Green Desert) was well supported at 9-2 for this extended five-furlong test and duly delivered to provide a first winner for his Ballyhane Stud-based freshman sire (by Kodiac {GB}). Tanking to the front after the initial strides, the March-foaled bay was shaken up soon after passing the quarter-mile marker and powered clear inside the final furlong to easily account for Steadman (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) by 2 3/4 lengths, breaking the all-age track record in 59 seconds flat. “Mr [Michael] Bell was pretty confident about his chances today,” said winning rider Silvestre de Sousa. “Connections think he's a nice horse and, after that performance, I think he's a nice horse as well.” Bell indicated he might be open to offers for The Lir Jet and added, “I think he'd look better running in someone else's silks!” The Lir Jet is the latest of four foals and second scorer produced by a dual-winning granddaughter of MG1SP G2 Premio Lydia Tesio and G3 Premio Federico Tesio victress Papering (Ire) (Shaadi), who in turn is out of G1 Oaks d'Italia runner-up Wrapping (Ire) (Kris {GB}). Sales history: €9,500 Wlg '18 TATFBR; £8,000 Ylg '19 GOFFPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $5,196. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
1ST-TIME STARTER. O-Nick Bell; B-Donal Boylan (IRE); T-Michael Bell.
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