Regally Irish Breaks Through in Bridgetown

SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY – Isabelle de Tomaso’s homebred Regally Irish waited until room became available before he broke through the line of foes and got up just in time to win Saturday’s Bridgetown Stakes at Aqueduct.

Breaking cleanly from the rail under Rajiv Maragh as the 8/5 favorite, Regally Irish raced just behind early leader Skole through opening fractions of :22.39 and :45.32. After beginning to lose ground on the leader midway through the far turn, Regally Irish reengaged as he cut the turn for home. Finding room along the inside, the Graham Motion trainee increased his position steadily while trying to chase down the loose-on-the-lead Skole.

Still a length behind at the 1/16 pole, Regally Irish surged to the lead in the shadow of the wire to get up just in time and neck out victory in a final time of 1:10.28 for the 6-furlong sprint over the yielding turf course.

“He settled nice off the speed and came up with a powerful run,” Maragh said. “I just wanted him to get comfortable early, whether it’s up close or behind. He doesn’t have a set style, so it gives you a lot of options. The way the race unfolded, I felt like we were tracking in a good spot. I was just hoping he kicked in, and he sure did.”

Nailed at the wire, Skole was still 2 lengths better than Mount Travers in third. Skychief and Wonder Stone completed the short order of finish. Majid was a Main Track Only entry.

Regally Irish’s win was first career stakes score and his second straight overall, following an allowance score at Tampa Bay Downs. The 3-year-old son of Curlin increased his earnings to $110,945 with a career record of 7-3-1-1.

“That was good,” said Motion assistant Adrian Rolls. “He ran well down at Tampa. We weren’t sure it would be on the grass because of the rain, so it was nice that they kept it on. When he got running, Rajiv said he really sprinted away from them. He appeared to be happy with him.”

Regally Irish returned $5.40 to win, $3.10 to place, and $2.30 to show. Skole brought back $3.20 to place and $2.70 to show, while Mount Travers paid $3.10 to show.