A couple of weeks ago I noticed a colt in Ireland who looked as if he was a superior runner and had the style, scope and talent to develop into a serious horse. I suggested FIRST CORNERSTONE  to Barry Irwin of Team Valor and after a few days of  negotiation we managed to secure the colt. One of the provisos of  the deal was that the trainer could keep the horse for one more race, and had just supplemented him for the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh the next Sunday.. This was agreed by Team Valor and on  the 26th August after a most pleasant lunch with the previous owners, Barry Irwin, accompanied by myself and my son Alex) were in the stands at the Curragh to watch as FIRST CORNERSTONE won  the Group 2 in impressive fashion.

As a result of the win, Timeform increased his rating to 111 and the Racing Post rated him at 114, which makes him the joint 2nd highest rated two year old in Europe, just one pound behind the Prix Morny winner and equal  with the Coventry winner Dawn Approach

What made the victory even sweeter is that this was only FIRST CORNERSTONE's third race and he should improve again for the run.

At the time of writing I am not exactly sure what his next race will be , but a tilt at a Gr1 race in Ireland England or the USA would be the logical step.

I am really delighted that we managed to secure this horse for Team Valor and I am looking forward to his next start,