Thursday 28 August 2014
The Aga Khan-owned RAYDARA made her mark at the Curragh on Sunday, lifting the Gr. 2 Debutante Stakes in good style. On her fourth public outing, the filly raced in the rear of the field before progressing up the center of the track two furlongs from home and showing an impressive acceleration inside the final furlong to secure victory under Shane Foley.
Trained by Michael Halford, RAYDARA had earlier taken fourth place in the Gr. 3 Silver Flash Stakes when making the running for much of the race, a tactic which had been successful in her maiden success.
Still improving, RAYDARA could now be aimed at the Gr. 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes or she could be rested until her three-year-old season. If she were to succeed in this juvenile Group double, RAYDARA would be following in the footsteps of her illustrious elder Edabiya who completed the Debutante and Moyglare double back in 1998.
A daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar, RAYDARA hails from a maternal line solid in black-type performances. Her dam Raydiya (Marju) lifted the Listed Lenebane Stakes and great granddam Rayseka (Dancing Brave) was a dual Stakes winner and runner-up in the Gr. 1 Irish St Leger.
RAYDARA’s success is the second Group victory of the season for a juvenile filly carrying the prestigious green and red silks of the Aga Khan Studs, after Ervedya’s (Siyouni) win in the Gr 3 Prix de Cabourg.
Updated on 28/08/2014.
