Exciting Shakespeare gets off the mark The Aidan O'Brien-trained Shakespeare (8/15) got off the mark at the third time of asking under Ryan Moore in the Guidenstown Stud Irish European Breeders Fund Maiden. The €1.3 million Guineas purchase was third and second on both his opening starts but used his experience to good effect to take all and win his maiden by a length and a half. Speaking after the race, trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He's a lovely big horse who does everything right. He's a little bit of a baby. That's why it took two runs for him to get to where he is. He's still not there. He has a lot of ability and is in the 'could be anything' category really. Size, power, quality, speed, stamina, he has everything. Mentally he is a little bit babyish still but that'll do him good being able to make the running today. When Ryan caught hold of him he got down the stretch. So hopefully he's going to be something to look forward to." (Quotes from John O'Riordan)
