Fresh from a big week at Royal Ascot, Joseph O’Brien was in Group-winning form closer to home on Wednesday, as Rebel Moon took the Al Shira’aa Racing Irish EBF Jannah Rose Stakes at Naas.
A daughter of Lope De Vega and owned by the sponsors, her promising debut victory at Gowran in April saw stablemate Johanna Walsh in third – form well advertised by the latter going on to be second in the Ribblesdale at the Royal meeting.
Sent off at 11-4 for this Group Three affair in which Aidan O’Brien’s Oaks fifth Cameo was the 5-4 favourite, Dylan Browne McMonagle’s mount overhauled the Noel Meade-trained Caught U Sleeping with a neck to spare at the line.
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“We’re delighted with her,” said O’Brien.
“She did well to win on debut and the form has obviously worked out well. We just had a little hold up with her after that race so we missed a little bit of time.
“This was an obvious target for her, given the ownership.
“It was a lovely ride from Dylan. She looked green still in the race and I think there is a lot to come from her, hopefully.
Watch what Joseph O'Brien had to say afterwards
“The second has good form and she probably got first run on us, and she’s obviously race-fit while we missed time.
“It’s tough to run a horse down here when they get away from you like that and the fractions were steady enough through the race.
“I think she’s won today from having a bit of class. I think, hopefully, that we are still scratching the surface.
“She has some nice options in France as well as in Ireland.”
Dylan Browne McMonagle also spoke on Racing TV following Rebel Moon's success