Duke Is The New Coolmore King
Sunday, 27 July 2008:  | | Duke Of Marmalade |
It replicated Coolmore's 2007 King George win with another son of Danehill, the now retired champion Dylan Thomas.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien describd the 4YO Duke Of Marmalade as "a rare racehorse" after he fought off the challenge by Papal Bull to win by half a length.
Jockey Johnny Murtagh was lavish in his praise.
“Its another huge win for me and a huge win for the team,” Murtagh said.
“I would rate this horse as good as Dylan Thomas, if not better, and he doesn't lack for anything.
"He probably won't get the plaudits, as he doesn't look spectacular, but he's always got loads in hand. He's a true champion and one of the best I've ridden.”
Raced by Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor, Duke of Marmalade has overcome injury as a young horse to build an imposing record of five wins and five placings from 13 starts with prizemoney of 1,246,528 pounds.
Duke of Marmalade finished fourth in both the English and Irish Two Thousand Guineas as well as placing at Group One level behind Dylan Thomas and Excellent Art.
Duke of Marmalade is from the Kingmambo mare Love Me True, a half-sister to a successful and well-known Australian sire Bite The Bullet.
Love Me True is from a half-sister to US Broodmare of the Year Weekend Surprise, the dam of champion racehorse and sire A.P. Indy and Group One winning sire Summer Squall.
Duke of Marmalade is one of 87 Group One winners by Danehill, who died prematurely at Coolmore Stud in Ireland in 2003.
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