Ballydoyle's newcomer wins Naas finale Moyglare Stud Stakes-winner Ronan Whelan registered a fourth success in recent days for champion trainer Aidan O’Brien at Naas today, steering newcomer Port Of Ferdinand (9/4) to win the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. Successful in two recent maidens and in last weekend’s Group 1 Moyglare at the Curragh, Whelan today produced debutante Camelot-colt Port Of Ferdinand from an initially unpromising position on outside of mid-field to eventually lead in the closing strides, beating Bamako Beach by a neck . With O’Brien’s principal jockeys Ryan Moore and Wayne Lordan currently sidelined, the trainer had earlier scored with the Jack Cleary-partnered Controlled and following today’s second success, his representative Chris Armstrong stated “in fairness Port Of Ferdinand was drawn high and jumped a bit slow but Ronan has given him every chance to coast into it and he has ground it out well. “He’s been going nicely during the last couple of weeks at home, has a lovely attitude and is a horse to look forward to for next year. “He’ll probably go to the Eyrefield at Leopardstown in a month’s time. The step up in trip will help him and I think he’ll be one for middle distance races next year.” Quotes from Alan Magee
