The Peninsula
The first two-year-old Group One of the year in Europe the Keenland Phoenix Stakes was won by the Al Shaqab Racing owned Ebro River at Curragh yesterday.
Trained in the United Kingdom by Hugo Palmer, two-year-old Ebro River was having his seventh run of the season and was ridden to success by Shane Foley.
Breaking quickly out of stall five, Ebro River was quickly switched across to the rail and dictated a strong early pace with Go Bears Go (Kodi Bear).
Applying pressure inside the final 600m, Ebro River had the majority of his rivals in difficulty. Dr Zempf (Dark Angel) challenged and briefly headed Ebro River inside the final 200m.
Despite drifting towards the centre of the track, Ebro River rallied strongly under a strong drive by Foley and went on to score by three quarters of a length at the winner. Dr Zempf held on gamely for second and Go Bears go took third.
Bred by Tally-Ho stud, Ebro River was bought at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale (Book 2). He is by first season stallion Galileo Gold (Paco Boy), a winner of the 2,000 Guineas for Al Shaqab Racing.
His dam, Soft Power (Balmont) was a winner over 1,400m on debut and has also produced Strong Power (Kodiac), a winner of two races. She is a half-sister to Key Rose (Key Of Luck) who was placed third at Listed level.