Plenty of action for our international runners this weekend, including two promising first starters in Natural Ruler and Hampden.
Natural Ruler, a 2yo colt in training with Johnny Murtagh, will make his debut in the 2yo Colts & Geldings Maiden at Curragh, Ireland over 1600m in the early hours on Sunday.
“He’s a very nice colt, quite leggy and still has plenty of growing to do, but he will develop into an attractive type. I’m keen to get him started, even though we might not see the best of him until spring next year, he’s been doing everything right to this point. Time will be his best friend.” said Murtagh to owners.
In his work at home he has shown plenty of talent, good movement and will take plenty of improvement from the run on Sunday.
Being by Ten Sovereigns, who himself was an unbeaten Group 1 winner at 2 and European Champion Sprinter at 3, we expect to see the best of this colt in his 3yo year. The first crop of Ten Sovereigns is already off to a flying start, with a Listed victor on the board alongside 10+ other winners.
Also a debutant, but racing in the UK is Hampden. The 2yo son of multiple G1 winning stallion Night of Thunder will take his place in the 2yo Maiden at Goodwood over 1600m.
See the full field and all race details here.
Purchased at the Tattersalls Sale in early October last year, the gelding has developed into a strong staying type and continues to please in his education.
Trainer Tom Ward commented “He’s coming along nicely. He had a good piece of work on the grass last Saturday and a pop out of the barriers on Thursday and the race will be a good starting point for him. He’s got a good attitude and seems to find things easy in his work. I’m looking forward to getting him to the races.”
Expected to show his full ability in his 3yo season, Hampden will certainly take improvement from Sunday’s run and come along further in his education.
See the full field and all race details here.
We look forward to seeing both boys kick off their racing career over the weekend. Best of luck to connections of both horses!