Homebred Bellesque created a fine impression at Leopardstown on Thursday when running out the impressive winner of the juvenile fillies’ maiden in the colours of Mrs E Irwin and Mrs John Magnier.
Sent off favourite off the back of a promising second on debut, the Joseph O’Brien-trained daughter of St Mark’s Basilica was always in control under Dylan Browne McMonagle to score with the minimum of fuss from So Lovely.
“She’s got a real good attitude, a very relaxed type but she’s there for you when you want her,” said Dylan Browne McMonagle. “She’s a lovely filly. The important part is when you press the buttons and she was very responsive there. She put the race to bed fairly quick off the bend. She tries hard and there’ll be plenty more fun to have with her.”
Bellesque becomes the ninth winner out of our exceptional producer Belesta, a daughter of Xaar from the famous Bellarida family of Group 1 winners With You, Call The Wind and Aristia. Belesta has upheld the family reputation at stud, with her previous eight winners led by the Australian Group 2 winner Adjusted, Scandinavian Champion Giuseppe Piazzi and the Group 3-placed Old Glory.
Belesta has a yearling full-sister to Bellesque.