Irish Lights Colt to be Offered at Keeneland September

Tara Madgwick - Sunday September 6

Fastnet Rock’s Group I MRC Thousand Guineas winner Irish Lights featured with an impressive winner in Ireland overnight with talented two year-old Lipizzaner saluting at Navan and bringing a timely pedigree for his full brother to be offered at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Seamie Heffernan, Lipizzaner was second at his first two starts earlier in the year and then fourth in the Group II Royal Ascot Norfolk Stakes.

Fresh off a break for this five furlong maiden, the Uncle Mo colt scored an easy half length win as a hot favourite and will take benefit from the run.



“Aidan [O'Brien] said the only way I'd get beat is if I tried to win by too far,” said Seamie Heffernan.

“He said he was just ready to start back and there is probably plenty of improvement to come.”

Lipizzaner is the third winner from three foals to race from Irish Lights, whose best offspring is Australian Group II winner Omei Sword, who made $1.7million at the 2018 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale when bought by Dean Hawthorne Bstock (BAFNZ)/Freyer Bstock.

Lipizzaner went through the Keeneland September Yearling Sale last year fetching $650,000 and his full brother will be offered this year as Lot 219.

Click to see the full page and visit Keeneland Sales

 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Hawker Hall Wins Last on Magic Day
James McDonald made the most of a late pick-up ride on Hawker Hall when he let the gelding rip from a wide barrier to run his rivals ragged in the $250,000 Magic Millions Class 6 Plate (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Ones to Watch – Rosehill
In years to come when racing trivia nights are held, a question will be - what was the horse champion jockey Jett Newman rode in her first metropolitan race win?  And the answer is our One to Watch.
2026 NZB KARAKA YEARLING SALE PREVIEW – Sky Thoroughbred Central this Monday
Caroline Searcy’s extensive preview of the Centenary New Zealand National Sale will premiere on Sky Thoroughbred Central Monday night at 7.30pm AEDST. This is a must watch chance to see over ten percent of the Book 1 catalogue and a some select Book 2 yearlings as well, ahead of sale ground inspections this week and the Sale’s commencement on Sunday January 25.
Mulcaster Finds First Winner for Portland Sky
A Group I winning son of champion sire Deep Field, Widden Stud’s Portland Sky put his first winner on the board at Ascot on Saturday with a dominant debut victory for talented filly Daryte, who was purchased by Guy Mulcaster.
Irish Bred Camelot wins G3 Totara Lodge Trentham Stakes
Trentham has long been Michael and Matthew Pitman’s favourite track, and that sentiment was further enhanced on Saturday after they recorded a memorable double at the Upper Hutt track.
Breeding to Win - 2026 Magic Millions 2YO Classic
The Gold Coast is the centre of the Australasian thoroughbred universe this week, abuzz with all the theatre and excitement of the Magic Millions on and off the track!
Kiwi Bred Speed Dragon Strikes in G3 January Cup
Ready to Run Sale graduate Speed Dragon (NZ) (Darci Brahma) delivered a milestone moment for his trainer Francis Lui with a spectacular come-from-behind victory in the A$4.2m Group Three January Cup (1800m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday. 
Birchley Back to NZ for More Millions
Queensland trainer Liam Birchley is no stranger to success in the richest two-year-old race in New Zealand, the $1million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), and he is hoping to replicate the winning feeling next weekend as he prepares to line-up a pair of quality fillies in the Ellerslie dash for cash.
Via Sistina Retired - Dubawi Her First Mating
Chris Waller has announced the retirement of Champion mare Via Sistina after returning for her autumn campaign not “her normal highly energetic self”.
Sires With Winners - Saturday January 17
Here is the full list of 111 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.