17 Dec 2011
Irish Rebel (Danehill Dancer ex Ballycairn, by Zabeel) looked a class act when winning on debut in yesterday’s New Zealand Bloodstock 2YO Premier (1100m) at Awapuni.
Trained by Jason Bridgman and ridden by stable jockey Matthew Cameron, Irish Rebel looked to be travelling easily at the bend before dashing clear and winning easily by 3.3 lengths.
David Ellis of Te Akau Stud purchased Irish Rebel from Cambridge Stud’s 2011 Karaka Premier Sale consignment for $800,000.
Irish Rebel was bred by Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan and is one of six winners from Ballycairn. The best performer till now from the mare is Pure Harmony (Stravinsky), whose four wins included the Gr.2 Moonee Valley Oaks. Irish Rebel is also a half-brother to Galway Lass (Rhythm) who won 5 races and was placed second in the Auckland Cup-Gr.1.
Irish Rebel is Karaka Millions eligible and the NZ$1m race to be run 29 January 2012 would seem a logical target for the smart colt.