Royal Dornoch (2c Gleneagles – Bridal Dance, by Danehill Dancer) gained a well-deserved maiden victory when taking the seven furlong Irish Champions Weekend Maiden at Gowran Park.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was sent off favourite, having finished third in the Group 2 Richmond Stakes a month prior. Donnacha O’Brien rode him to chase the leaders, pushing him along from over two furlongs out and led approaching the final furlong. Staying on well under pressure, he beat Edward Hopper by half a length, with another three lengths back to the third horse.

The winning jockey commented after the race, “Royal Dornoch was rated to win and he did it well. I think he’ll be better on better ground and he will stay a bit further too. He’s learning a lot and I would say that’s his most professional performance to date. I do like him.”

Sold by breeders Barronstown Stud for 240,000gns as a yearling, Royal Dornoch is a half-brother to multiple Group winner Hawksmoor and Group 2 runner-up Magical Fire.