'I think he could be a proper one' - Group 1 entry makes impressive debut in race last won by Lambourn

Derby and Irish Derby hero Lambourn made a successful debut in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race last year and the race was won by another potentially smart newcomer in A Boy Named Susie.

The son of Starspangledbanner, ridden by Gavin Ryan, was an eased-down three-length winner over Bellamano in a style that suggested his Group 1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes entry is not unrealistic.

After taking his record to eight winners from 19 runners at the track, successful trainer Donnacha O'Brien told irishracing.com: "We thought he was good as he did a really, really good piece of work up the Curragh a few weeks ago.

“This auction race looked a tough ask as he was giving away weight to winners and it is a tough track first-time-out but he is obviously just smart,"

"For an auction race at Killarney, it has thrown up Iridessa, Luxembourg, Lambourn and a few Group 2 winners as well so it's a nice start for him.”

That illustrious roll of honour could attract potential purchasing interest in A Boy Named Susie, who is owned by O’Brien’s sister Ana.

"They hacked and then sprinted but I think he could be a proper one,” O’Brien added. "He has plenty of gears for a big horse."

Ana O'Brien (left) with her first winner as an owner A Boy Named SusieCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Ana O’Brien had not been to the course since she was airlifted from the track with a fractured vertebra on her neck and T6 in her back and her cheek bones following her mount, Druids Cross, being fatally injured in a race at this meeting in 2017.

Donnacha O’Brien added: "It is a better experience for Ana than the last time she was here and that's her first winner as an owner as well."

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