The Barronstown-bred South Sea Pearl (3f Galileo – Cassydora, by Darshaan) produced a career-best performance to land the Listed Vinnie Roe Stakes at Leopardstown for Aidan O’Brien and owners Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor.

A nine length maiden winner in July, she was beaten less than two lengths in the Group 3 Stanerra Stakes last time out and once again raced over a mile and six furlongs. Held up by Ryan Moore, she improved her position turning for home and was switched left to challenge a furlong and a half from home. Ridden to lead entering the final furlong, she stayed on well to win by three lengths. 

Aidan O’Brien commented after the race, “She’s a grand filly, she stays very well and we’re delighted with her. She could be a Park Hill filly or something like that. She stays well and she’s progressive.”

South Sea Pearl was sold by Barronstown Stud for 800,000gns at the Tattersalls Book 1 Sale to Narvick International. She is a full-sister to multiple Group winner Ernest Hemingway and a closely related to Group 3 winner Toulifaut. Their dam, Cassydora, was a dual Stakes winner and finished second to Alexandra Goldrun in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes. Top two-year-old and sire Zoffany features further down the page.