Bred by the late Dr Tan Kai Chah, the American Pharoah (USA) filly Donegal carried the all-navy Coolmore silks to a hugely impressive last-to-first triumph when on debut over 1200m at Mornington on Monday.
Super debut (image George Sal/Racing Photos)
Given a ground-saving ride by Daniel Stackhouse after missing the start, the Ben and JD Hayes-trained Donegal powered over the top of the odd-on favourite Devils Delight (Hellbent)to win by three-quarters of a length. My Roca Fella (El Roca) was two and a quarter length back in third.
"Ten out of ten ride by Stacky," stable representative Lindsey Rushby said. "He had to go to plan B after missing the kick.
"She was just too strong. She trialled up well, so the boys were confident coming here today. They will sit down and decide where she goes next."
Donegal is the sixth winner for Dr Tan's outstanding mare Jolie's Shinju (JPN), the 2009 Singapore Derby and Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge Triple Crown winner.
A world-famous liver transplant surgeon, Dr Tan, died from a heart attack while on a business trip to China in December 2021.
A daughter of the Halo stallion Jolie's Halo (USA), Jolie's Shinju (JPN) was a $55,000 purchase for Garryard Equine at the 2022 Magic Million April Online Sale. She has succeeded at stud, with the best of her winners being the Group II ATC Silver Shadow Stakes and Group II Tatts's NSW Furious Stakes winner Formality (Fastnet Rock).
Donegal a $160,000 Inglis Easter yearling
Donegal was a $160,000 purchase for Lindsay Park Bloodstock when consigned by Coolmore to the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Sale.
The 2009 Horse Of The Year in Singapore, Jolie's Shinju (JPN) has a yearling filly by Magna Grecia (IRE) and was covered by Fastnet Rock last spring.
