Snellen Lands Chesham Stakes
What a day it was. The tough 2 year-old filly conquered 15 rivals in winning the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. She was always doing enough and beat favored Pearls and Rubies by a head at the finish post.
Snellen for Royal Victory
Snellen will get a well deserved few weeks off at trainer Gavin Cromwells’ Danestown paddocks after a whirlwind four weeks. Convincing winner of a barrier trial at the Curragh on May 29, Snellen made the trip to debut at Limerick only to beat 13 rivals on June 14. This is of course a fair amount to ask of a young filly.
She had not been over conditioned prior to these fetes, she bounced out of her race well and an audible was made to try Royal Ascot a mere ten days later. Of course she had to travel by trailer and ferry from Ireland to Ascot a journey of some twelve hours. She ate and drank well on route, slept in her new surroundings and had a gallup around Ascot the following morning.
She broke well for jockey Gary Carroll and was prominent throughout the early and middle stages of the race. Then the big question … how would she handle the stiff final up-hill furlong? As others flailed and tired, Snellen dug in gamely and prevailed. Suffice it to say we were very proud of her determination, grit and athleticism.
Snellen is our first homebred to run in Europe. We are honored to have her family in Ireland which include her stakes-placed dam Illumined, a yearling filly by Bluepoint, and a foal colt by Gleneagles. Plenty more to come as Snellen has got the family off to an electric start.
Illumined’s Baby Sister by Gleneagles at 10 Weeks Old