Sovereign (3c Galileo – Devoted To You, by Danehill Dancer) became the latest Classic winner bred by Barrownstown Stud when making all in the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

Group-placed at two and three, he was ridden to lead by Padraig Beggy, just like in the Epsom Derby earlier in the month. Turning for home, it became apparent that the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was not for catching and stayed on under hands a heels to score by six lengths.

Aidan O’Brien later praised Sovereigns attitude, saying, “He’s a very honest to God horse. Padraig set perfect fractions, increased it from halfway and he wasn’t for stopping. He’s a Galileo and when they start galloping they usually don’t stop.” On future plans he added, “The winner is a staying horse and he’s going to stay well. He won’t mind going the Leger trip. He could go to the King George or go to Grand Prix de Paris in France and then could have a break and go to the Leger.”

Owned by Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, Sovereign is a full-brother to two winners bred out of Devoted To You, whom O’Brien trained to finish placed at Group level twice in the colours of Mrs David Nagle. Four of her siblings won at Stakes level and the top-class Balanchine features further down the page.