Renowned Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez was the main attraction at Naas on Wednesday evening, making his first appearance on Irish soil. Despite riding De Janeiro to a fifth-place finish in the Tinnakill House Maiden, Velazquez's impressive track record speaks for itself. With three Kentucky Derby wins, one Preakness victory, and two Belmont triumphs under his belt, the 52-year-old jockey is considered one of the greatest of all time.
In another exciting race at Naas, the Al Shira’aa Racing Irish EBF Naas Oaks Trial, the Johnny Murtagh-trained Hanalia emerged victorious with odds of 16-1. This talented daughter of Sea The Stars, owned by the Aga Khan, demonstrated an impressive turn of foot to claim victory by three-quarters of a length. Trained to perfection by Murtagh, Hanalia's performance was a testament to her potential and class on the track.
Following the race, Murtagh expressed his satisfaction with Hanalia's performance, highlighting her strong finish and ability to maintain a good pace throughout the race. With plans to potentially enter her in a Group Three race over a mile and one at the Curragh soon, Hanalia's win has solidified her status as a contender to watch in upcoming races.