The Craine family stole the limelight at Navan yesterday with Stephen and his son Stephen John both riding winners.
Stephen John (18), who was sidelined last winter when breaking his shoulder and jaw, partnered his second winner but first since turning professional when Goldnecu took the Duleek Maiden Hurdle in great style. The Frances Crowley-trained gelding led two out for an easy 15 length success from Georgies Best.
Sita has the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Budweiser Irish Derby weekend as her main target after an impressive victory under Craine senior in the featured EBF Fillies Race.
The Kevin Prendergast-trained grey made all, and stretched clear a furlong out to beat the odds-on Karsavina by nine lengths. 'We decided to make the running as we know she stays. I will give her a try in the Pretty Polly, and may go for a conditions race beforehand', said the Curragh trainer.
Pugin belied a lack of market confidence to make a winning debut in the Curraghboy Maiden. Lady Clague's home bred Darshaan colt, out of Irish Oaks third Gothic Dream, struck the front well over a furlong out, and kept on well under John Murtagh to beat Beyond The Pole by two and a half lengths.
'I thought he might need the run today', confessed trainer John Oxx afterwards, before adding: 'He handles soft ground well, and a step up to a mile and a half will suit. He should go on to better things'.
