A sire of rare versatility Wootton Bassett (GB) added a new stakes-winner to his tally overnight in Ireland where promising staying three year-old Carmers made it two wins from as many starts in the Listed Navan Yeats Stakes (1m5f).
Trained by Paddy Twomey, Carmers won his debut eight days ago in a maiden over the same trip and was just as impressive in taking out his first Black Type race by three lengths as favourite for Billy Lee.
“He's a horse who des just what he has to do, hence the headgear (blinkers),” said Twomey.
“I thought Carmers would be in the first three at Ballinrobe but he surprised me how well he won at the line. He came home, licked the pot, rode out this week and didn't care so we decided to come here and see what happens.
“We knew he'd stay but we didn't want to make it, he's a horse who probably doesn't want to be in front too long. To be fair he kept on well, he's keeping plenty to himself. The Queen's Vase (Royal Ascot) is probably the race for him.”
Bred by Westward Bloodstock and raced by Fiona Carmichael, Carmers is the first winner from blueblood Sea the Stars mare Signe, a half-sister to Group I winners Lord Shanakill, Forever Together and Together Forever, the dam of 2024 European Horse of the Year City of Troy, who will stand at Coolmore Australia this spring at a fee of $49,500.
Carmers is the 61st stakes-winner for Wootton Basssett, who will also be in Australia with his fee set at $385,000.
