Monday 28 June 2004
Reeling in North Light in the final furlong thanks to a superb acceleration, Grey Swallow had the first four in the Epsom Derby strung out behind him in the Irish Classic.
Doubts over Grey Swallow’s lack of stamina were silenced as the grey son of Daylami relaxed in fifth position until the straight, where Pat Smullen brought him with a beautifully timed run to overcome Epsom Derby hero North Light.
Grey Swallow was awarded the highest rating of any two year old colt in Ireland following two emphatic victories last year. He had run with credit on his first two starts this year, finishing fourth and third in the Newmarket and Irish 2,000 Guineas respectively, having taken some time to come to hand in the Spring.
Jockey Pat Smullen commented after the race: “He’s beaten the Epsom Derby horses and proved himself a true champion. I felt very comfortable coming off the top of the hill. I could see Kieren (Fallon) rocking and rolling on the favourite and I knew my horse would beat them for speed if he got the trip.”
Daylami now leads the European second crop sire’s table in order of prizemoney, with an excellent winners to runners strike rate of 40% in 2004. He is third only to Danehill and Sadler’s Wells in the overall sires’ list.
