The Aidan O'Brien-trained Russian Emperor (IRE), a son of Fastnet Rock's champion daughter Atlantic Jewel, made an impressive career debut at The Curragh on Saturday when a fast-finishing third behind stablemate Iberia over 7-furlongs.
The son of Galileo looked to be struggling when racing greenly 300 metres out however once he put his mind on the job he powered to the line to be beaten a length and a quarter.
Racing Post said: "Raced in mid-division, progress into 6th entering final furlong, green, stayed on strongly final 100yds into 3rd close home, never nearer."
While one career was just beginning at the Curragh on Saturday another was nearing a close.
At his 100thstart, the hugely popular 11yo gelding Gordon Lord Byron finished an honourable fourth in the Group II Minstrel Stakes.
It's over five year's since Tom Hogan's battle-hardened warrior won the hearts of Australians with his win under Craig Williams in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.
The well-travelled son of Byron has a record of 16 wins, 16 seconds and 13 thirds in his storied career. (image Mark Smith )
