Ana O’Brien Silks to the Fore for First Time as A Boy Named Susie Notches Killarney Debut Victory

[Wandering Eyes]

Ana O'Brien's A Boy Named Susie (Starspangledbanner), a G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes entry, faced five rivals for his debut in Wednesday evening's €25,000 Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race at Killarney and returned with a three-length tally. The extended one-mile contest was won by dual Derby hero Lambourn last year.

“In fairness, Donnacha [O'Brien] always liked this horse and I'm delighted he came out and did that,” said O'Brien after claiming her first win as an owner. “It's my first time back here since my fall, so thankfully this is a much better day.”

Donnacha O'Brien added, “We thought he was good as he did a really good piece of work up the Curragh a few weeks ago. This auction race looked a tough ask as he was giving away weight to winners and it is a tough track first-time-out, but he is obviously just smart. For an auction race at Killarney, it has thrown up Iridessa, Luxembourg and last year Lambourn and a few Group 2 winners as well, so it's a nice start for him. They hacked and then sprinted, but I think he could be a proper one. He has plenty of gears for a big horse.”

The 10-3 chance broke to the fore and accepted a tow in second after the initial exchanges. Looming large on the bridle with a quarter-mile remaining, he quickened to the front entering the final furlong and was pushed clear in the closing stages to defeat Bellamano (Lucky Vega) in decisive fashion.

A Boy Named Susie, half to a yearling filly by State Of Rest, is the seventh of eight foals and third scorer out of an unraced half-sister to dual Group 1-placed sire Mehmas (Acclamation).

The April-foaled bay's dam Soho Susie (Montjeu) is also a kin to the dams of black-type performers Siamsa (Starspangledbanner), Heritage House (Dark Angel) and Pivotal Connection (Pivotal).

 

”His work was very good at home.”

Donnacha O'Brien has become the first person to train a winner in the colours of his sister Ana after A Boy Named Susie scored on debut @KillarneyRaces.

The question is, will the colt be carrying the same colours next time it runs? pic.twitter.com/7BipzlMzKe

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 16, 2025

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