The five-year-old geldings’ maiden was won by the Matthew Flynn O’Connor-trained Tommy Pickles under a fine waiting ride from Brian Lawless. Fifth at Ballycahane last season on his debut, the Shirocco-sired gelding used different tactics here and came from off the pace to score impressively by a widening ten and a half lengths.
Purchased for €75,000 at the 2023 Derby Sale, Tommy Pickles is a brother to three track winners and is out of black-type winning mare Carrig Millie who is a half-sister to Hennessy Gold Cup winner Strong Flow.
Trainer/Owner Matthew Flynn O’Connor was absent from Aghabullogue, but his sister Abbie commented “He’s a horse that has grown a lot since he ran in the spring. He has done really well from his summer break and will now be for sale.”
Shirocco’s second winner on the card came in the form of newcomer Nolans Rocco who landed the five-runner six-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden. Ridden by Darragh Allen, Nolans Rocco travelled sweetly throughout and picked up the running between the final two fences to readily beat Paddyskatie, the only other finisher by a length and a half.
“She’s a lovely mare and Darragh said that she took off with him going down the hill after two out. Her owner David Brennan rides out with us and we will have a chat before deciding future plans.” Winning handler Padraig Butler.
Shirocco who stood at Rathbarry and Glenview Stud was an outstanding middle distance performer who had multiple Group 1 success in four different countries which include a Breeder’s Cup Turf and a Coronation Cup.
He has enjoyed considerable success as a flat sire and is proven as one of the top National Hunt sires. Most notably, Shirocco sired the Willie Mullins-trained Annie Power who won Grade 1 hurdles at Punchestown, Fairyhouse, Cheltenham and Aintree. Another successful offspring is Lac Fontana, winner of the Grade 1 Mersey Hurdle at Aintree and the Grade 3 County Hurdle at Cheltenham. Minella Rocco, Casablanca Mix and Rock The Casbah are good examples of the quality of Shirocco’s stock.
He has enjoyed considerable success as a flat sire and is proven as one of the top National Hunt sires. Most notably, Shirocco sired the Willie Mullins-trained Annie Power who won Grade 1 hurdles at Punchestown, Fairyhouse, Cheltenham and Aintree. Another successful offspring is Lac Fontana, winner of the Grade 1 Mersey Hurdle at Aintree and the Grade 3 County Hurdle at Cheltenham. Minella Rocco, Casablanca Mix and Rock The Casbah are good examples of the quality of Shirocco’s stock.
Shirocco was the fourth leading living NH Sire in GB and Ireland by Black-type winners during 2022/23, siring 7 individual black-type winners. He was also the fourth leading sire in 2022/23 in prize money, with his progeny earnings of over €2,000,000. Shirocco’s progeny has realised up to £280,000 in the sales ring.
The recently retired Shirocco was crowned Irish Point-to-Point leading sire of the 2021/22 season with an impressive 25 wins. He finished 2023/24 season on 17 wins and has produced some quality pointers.
Presently standing at Rathbarry & Glenview Studs are:
Blue Bresil (FR)
Eagles By Day (IRE)
Jeu St Eloi (FR)
Old Persian (GB)
