St Mark’s Basilica Colt Easily Breaks Maiden At Galway

Piazza San Marco (2c St Mark’s Basilica - Willow, by American Pharoah) became the latest winner for St Mark’s Basilica when readily striking at Galway on Tuesday.

The Ballydoyle-trained colt was sent off favourite to win on his second start and duly obliged to pull three-and-a-quarter lengths clear under Ronan Whelan. In second was Hamiyan (by Wootton Bassett).

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said of the TDN Rising Star: "He's a smashing colt who had one run at Fairyhouse back in early June. He had been showing well above average ability at home, so we wanted to see if he was one for the Chesham [Stakes] at Royal Ascot but it just came too soon for him.

"Time has done him the world of good and he's really strengthened, but what he does this year will be a bonus. You'll see the best of him next year over middle-distances and he's a fine, big, strong horse.

"He's by St Mark's Basilica, who we have a handful of, and we have some very very smart ones. This horse will have no problem stepping up to stakes company hopefully this year."

The extended mile contest was won in 2020 by subsequent champion stayer Kyprios, while the 2018 renewal was landed by future Irish Derby victor Sovereign.

Piazza San Marco was bred by Orpendale, Chelston and Wynatt.