Home > News > Derby News > Saxon Warrior earns first points on European Road to the Kentucky Derby in Beresford
Saxon Warrior earns first points on European Road to the Kentucky Derby in Beresford
Sep 24, 2017 Jennifer Caldwell/Brisnet.com
Saxon Warrior joined two classic pictures on Sunday when posting a 2 1/2-length victory in the Beresford Stakes (Ire-G2) at Naas Racecourse in Ireland.
The Beresford is not only an early lead-up to the Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) next year but also kicked off the European Road to the Kentucky Derby series . Unveiled this year for the 2018 Kentucky Derby, the seven-race series will award the highest points earner an automatic berth into next May’s classic 1 1/4-mile contest.
Saxon Warrior began the new series with his win in the Beresford for trainer Aidan O’Brien. Grabbing command on the far side, the Japanese-bred son of Deep Impact easily opened up under jockey Ryan Moore to finish a mile over the soft turf in 1:46.45.
Delano Roosevelt took second by a head in a three-horse photo for the runner-up spot. Warm the Voice filled the third spot, another head up on Kew Gardens in fourth. Riyazan completed the order under the wire.
Saxon Warrior is now two-for-two in his career, having broken his maiden at first asking on August 27 at the Curragh by 3 1/4 lengths. The bay colt, campaigned by Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Michael Tabor, is out of the European champion and Irish highweight Galileo mare Maybe.
Ticket Info
Sign up for race updates and more