TDN RISING STARS

July 20, 2024 - CURRAGH, Msw, EUR €20,000, 7.0F, .0000

The Lion In Winter (IRE), C, 2, 2022 by Sea the Stars (Ire)

1st Dam: What A Home (Ire), by Lope de Vega (Ire)
2nd Dam: Inchmahome (GB), by Galileo (Ire)
3rd Dam: Inchmurrin (Ire), by Lomond

Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier
Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc (IRE)
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

TDN Rising Star Sea The Stars (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) suffered his lone career defeat when fourth in the 2008 renewal of the Curragh's Juddmonte Chaldean Irish EBF Maiden and his son The Lion In Winter (Ire), a EUR375,000 Goffs Orby yearling, restored family honour in the seven-furlong contest by delivering a stunning closing burst to earn a 'TDN Rising Star' rosette of his own in this year's edition.

The 11-2 chance tracked the leaders from off the pace, racing eighth, through the early stages of this debut. Cajoled closer with three furlongs remaining, he quickened to go third entering the final furlong and went up through the gears in the closing stages to win, going away, by a mightily impressive 2 1/4 lengths from Currawood (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). The Lion In Winter becomes the 20th Rising Star for his sire.

"He's been working lovely and you would have to be very happy with him," commented Aidan O'Brien. "He has plenty of class and would have no trouble going up in trip. He was a bit green, but finished out very well and looks a quality colt. Ryan [Moore] said his horse [eventual third Ides Of March] is more speed than stamina, so he might go back in trip. Wayne [Lordan] and Ryan said the ground is just on the slow side of good."