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Castle Star wins First Flier Stakes at the Curragh on Monday and could now head to Royal Ascot
The Fozzy Stack-trained Castle Star (2 c ex Awohaam by Iffraaj) became the 16th stakes winner for Rosemont Stud shuttler Starspangledbanner (Choisir) when he won Monday’s First Flier Stakes (Listed, 5f) at the Curragh.
Bred by Churchtown Bloodstock, Grouseridge & Carhue, Castle Star raced towards the rear of the field of seven runners. He was asked to quicken with 400 metres left to travel and responded well, taking the lead in the closing stages to pull away and score a length and three quarter victory over Loveday (Bungle Inthejungle). Missing Matron (Vocalised) was another head back in third.
The colt could now head towards the Norfolk Stakes (Gr 2, 5f) at Royal Ascot next month.
“He did it well and he deserved it,” Stack said.
“I suppose we could maybe look at the Norfolk for him now. It’s six weeks to Ascot and he has plenty of experience now.”
Castle Star becomes the third winner out of winning Iffraaj (Zafonic) mare Awohaam and is his dam’s first stakes winner. His second dam is Grade 3 winner Horatia (Machiavellian) who produced five winners including Group 3 winner Moment In Time (Tiger Hill).
Rosemont Stud announced on Monday that Starspangledbanner would stand at the Victorian farm for a fee of $16,500 (inc GST) this season. Castle Star becomes the 11th juvenile stakes winner for the son of Choisir (Danehill Dancer) with that group headed by Group 1 winners The Wow Signal and Millisle.
Castle Star came from the back to win hands and heels under @chrishayes24 in the @GAINEquine First Flier Stakes. @fozzystack @Stack_Racing pic.twitter.com/OnpvWkpaOY
— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) May 3, 2021
