Inis Gluaire capped a memorable weekend for owners Phoenix Thoroughbreds as the Bernardini colt got off the mark at Lone Star on Sunday, July 26.
It was the third winner in 48 hours in the States for the Dubai-based owners. A day earlier Volatile confirmed himself as one of the best sprinters in the country with a win in the Grade One A G Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga and Seattle Slang took at Allowance race at Ellis Park.
It was a day to savour too for young jockey Keith Asmussen with the victory signalling his first as a jockey. The son of hall of fame trainer Steve and nephew of legendary rider Cash, Keith produced a well-judged ride to get the job done.
Breaking from the gates as a well-backed favourite to land the seven furlongs Maiden Special Weight, Amussen ‘the younger’ had his mount positioned just off the pace in the early stages. Travelling powerfully, Inis Glauire moved up alongside the long time leader midway through the turn for home. Entering the stretch, the colt hit the front and moved into a clear lead. The other jockeys would make Asmussen work for his winning moment and he had to drive his mount out to win by a head.
“We want to extend our congratulations to Keith, Steve and the whole Asmussen family,” said Phoenix Thoroughbreds CEO Amer Abdulaziz.
“It’s a very proud moment for them all, and we are sure this win is the first of many. It’s fantastic to see another of the Asmussen dynasty finding success in this industry.”