Exciting 3YO colt A Boy Named Susie generated headlines earlier this year when it was reported he would be sold into the Ciaron Maher stable, but the deal did not proceed and the son of Starspangledbanner remained with Donnacha O’Brien, who produced him for a brilliant win overnight in the Group III Royal Whip Stakes (1m2f) at the Curragh.
Dropping back in grade from G1 class at his last two runs, most recently when second in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown last month, A Boy Named Susie made light work of it for Oisin Murphy when romping to a five length win.
It was only the second win for A Boy Named Susie, who won on debut last year at two before moving up to Group and Listed company and in seven subsequent starts he was never worse than fourth with his overall record now two wins and four placings from nine starts.
Bred by the Soho Susie Partnership and raced by Ana O’Brien, A Boy Named Susie has entries in several upcoming Group I races including the Cox Plate, so Donnacha O’Brien has a myriad of options to consider.
A Boy Named Susie is the best of three winners from six foals to race from Sosho Susie, an unraced half-sister by Montjeu to Group II winner and leading sire Mehmas.
It’s a very solid European Black Type family packed with stakes-winners including Group II winner New Mandate, who found his way to Australia.
A Boy Named Susie is the 63rd stakes-winner for Starspangledbanner, who has already sired a Cox Plate winner in State of Rest (IRE), who stands at Newgate this spring at a fee of $22,000.
