Champion
sire Fastnet Rock added a new stakes-winner to his tally overnight in the UK with
progressive two year-old filly Orlaith landing the Listed Byerley Stud Stakes
at Newbury.
Trained by Iain Jardine, Orlaith has made steady improvement this year and
scored a three-quarter length win in this five furlong dash and has now won two
of her six starts.
"All credit has to go
to Iain Jardine, Orlaith has done nothing but improve with each run," said
winning rider Paul Mulrennan .
"We threw her in the deep end in a conditions race and she ran well. She has
come on again for it and she relished the softer ground and is bigger and
stronger. It was a great performance considering she was drawn one. I gave her
a couple of smacks and she was as tough as old boots. She picked up really well
and was really strong at the line. She is almost like a colt, just as hard as
nails."
Orlaith is the second winner from Cmonbabylitemyfire, a Piccolo half-sister to
Group I winner Toormore and Group II winner Estidhkaar.
She is the 148th stakes-winner worldwide for Fastnet Rock, who is closing
in on the milestone of 150 stakes-winners.
Fastnet Rock stands at Coolmore Australia this
spring at a fee of $165,000 alongside his champion son Merchant Navy at
$55,000.