Sardinia (eventual winner) leads the field away from stands at Navan© Photo Healy Racing
In 1993 Michael Kinane set a record of 115 winners ridden in an Irish flat racing season. The same year Joseph O'Brien was born and today the young Ballydoyle pilot equalled his fellow Tipperary man's feat when Sardinia landed the October Maiden at Navan.
Heavily invested upon for his debut at Roscommon nine days back when finishing third, the victorious Galileo colt made no mistake today equipped with first-time blinkers.
The 7/4 favourite soon led and he slipped the field from the end of the back straight. It was soon looking bleak for the rest and Waaheb the victor's main market rival, could get no closer than six lengths at the line.
Joseph reflected: "At the start of the season I was hoping to ride 100 winners. The horses have been running very well and I've had plenty of support from the owners of Ballydoyle as well as all the other trainers who have supported me.
"This horse stays well and he has a good attitude. I got a nice easy lead for the first mile and he stayed on really well in the straight."
Meanwhile successful trainer and proud father Aidan commented: "This lad was very green in Roscommon. He stays very well and he'll make a lovely horse in time.
"He's a half-brother to Alexandrova (a triple Oaks winner in 2006)." (AM & EM)
