De Aguiar makes breakthrough in Anglesey Stakes Robson De Aguiar enjoyed a dream result with a first stakes winner today, as his family’s Ballinea Star (16/1) led home a 1-2 for the trainer in the Curragh’s Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse And Stables Anglesey Stakes. Ballydoyle’s Coventry Stakes-sixth Confucius started the 1/3 favourite in the five-runner race but from two furlongs out, was pressed by Ballinea Star and stablemate runner-up Immortal Guard . The trio soon disputed the lead, with Ballinea Star finishing best to beat Immortal Guard by a half-length, with Confucius a further head behind. De Aguiar had previously enjoyed Royal Ascot and top-level success as assistant trainer to his Mullingar landlord Adrian Murray, and took out his own license last November. Today’s race also provided jockey Donagh O’Connor with a second Group 3-success. High-profile owners Amo Racing has provided De Aguiar with most of his firepower, although today’s winner is owned solely by the trainer’s wife Giselle De Aguiar, who part-owns runner-up Immortal Guard with Ramiro Restrepo and Jacob West. De Aguiar reported “both my horses had the same chance today and I knew there wasn't much between them. Ballinea Star won well last time, I let Donagh pick and he picked the filly. It was a big result with Immortal Guard finishing second. "I have loved Ballinea Star since I saw her in the sales (Orby Book 2 Sale, bought for €26,000) and when she goes further, will have a lot to give. She has become tough and strong. "We might come back to Leopardstown for the Silver Flash and have the Moyglare, Goffs Million and Breeders Cup Mile in mind for her too.” He added “six-furlongs is a little bit short for Immortal Guard and he has a lot of class, so will improve a lot when he steps up in trip. “I’m very happy for all the team at home, for the owners and for everyone. We have a lot of support from owners and Kia (Joorabchian, of Amo Racing) helps a lot as well. It is good to get a result on a day like today.” Quotes from John O’Riordan
