St Patrick’s Day, a 2-year-old Pioneerof the Nile colt who is a full brother to 2015 Horse of the Year and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, broke his maiden in his second lifetime start Saturday at Del Mar.
The 4-5 favorite, St Patrick’s Day was under pressue the entire six and one-half furlongs. Off just a beat slow, he quickly was in a fray for the lead. Head-to-head with Eskimo Roses through the first half-mile, St Patrick’s Day pulled clear in mid-stretch, then held off a late charge by Instilled Regard, finishing up in 1:17.81.
St Patrick’s Day is owned by Mrs. John Magnier, who purchased the bay colt privately from breeder Summer Wind Farm. The winner also has a 3-year-old full sister, American Cleopatra, who was runner-up in last year’s Del Mar Debutante (G1).
Pioneerof the Nile’s leading runners on the track this year include Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Classic Empire and San Pasqual (G2) winner Midnight Storm, while his top sales horses include $1 million and $700,000 2-year-olds at the OBS April Sale.
