Irish Derby entrant scores on Dundalk debut Irish Derby entrant Handshake (2/1 — 6/4f) made a winning debut at Dundalk today, landing the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden in the well-known international racing silks of owner Philip von Ullmann. Out of an Italian Group 3-winning dam and a half-brother to German 1,000 Guineas winner Habana, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Handshake was well touted for today’s debut and, under jockey Joey Sheridan, showed useful ability in quickening away from runner-up Nermal inside the final furlong. Sheridan said “He has a bit of class and has a great attitude. There's a bit of strength to him, he picked up from the bottom of the straight and lengthened the whole way to the line. He took a bit of pulling up." “The more he goes out in trip, the better he will be and there's plenty of improvement in him." Von Ullmann, a prominent German owner/breeder and best associated with 2024 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Goliath, joint-owns Handshake along with the ‘Becher & Kortum Partnership’. Quotes from Michael Graham
