Second stakes victory for Princess Child The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Garnet Stakes, over a mile, was the first of two Listed races at Naas and two of the market principals, both Group 3 winners last season, fought out a good finish. Disappointing on her previous start at Gowran Park, the 9/4 favourite Faiyum ran much better on this occasion and her bid to make all was only foiled right on the line by Princess Child and Joey Sheridan. Trained by Joseph O’Brien (third winner of the afternoon across the two Irish cards), the Dariyan five-year-old is owned by Janine Byrne. Sent off 10/3, Princess Child had landed Tipperary’s Fairy Bridge Stakes in August of 2025 and was runner-up to King Cuan in Listed company at the Curragh last Sunday., Sheridan, completing a double for O’Brien after taking the opener on Formous, commented “After her last run in the Curragh over seven, I thought the step up to a mile was going to suit her. “The ground was on her side today. She’s extremely tough and honest, she has a lovely attitude and ground it out at the end. “I looked to have a good set-up on paper because she was drawn two upsides Faiyum, and I got down and followed her. “We had a good pace to aim at, because she jumps and relaxes behind the bridle. I was able to sit and bide my time. “I knew from 100 yards down, really, that my one was tough and was going to get there.” When asked if she was likely to finish up this season, he added “I’ll leave that up to Janine (Byrne) and Joseph. I’m delighted for Janine, it’s great for her. She loves her horses.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
