Santiago handed Aidan O’Brien his 14th winner of the Irish Derby when proving hard to pass in dismal conditions at The Curragh on Saturday.
Santiago justified 2-1 favouritism to win by a head under Seamus Heffernan after striking the front two furlongs out to then held off Tiger Moth, with Dawn Patrol third and Order Of Australia back in fourth – O’Brien saddling the first four home. (pic: HRI, Santiago inside)
Successful in the Gr2 Queen’s Vase (14f) eight days ago at Royal Ascot, O’Brien told RTÉ Sport another Classic is on the cards for Santiago, a son of Epsom Derby winner Authorized, now at stud in Turkey.
“Santiago is a lovely, straightforward horse. He likes to take his time in his races and Seamus got a lovely run through and stayed very well,” O’Brien said.
“I think so (go for the St Leger), it looks a lovely race for him. We have the second and the third there too, so we will see what the lads want to do.
“They are two lovely horses (Tiger Moth and Dawn Patrol) and are two babies, they are progressing. In a month’s time they will be even better we think.”
“The Irish Derby is the pinnacle of Irish racing. It is a stallion-making race and many great champions have won it over the years.” Coolmore’s MV Magnier, speaking by Zoom video link, said.