Derby Sale Graduates Continue To Flourish in 4yo Maidens

It was business as usual between the flags for four-year-old graduates, with three of the weekend’s four-year-old winners sold at last year’s Derby Sale. It means more four-year-old winners, so far this term, have been sold at the Derby Sale, than any other Store Sale.

Paddy Turley saddled his first four-year-old winner of the campaign with MOURNE CRYSTAL proving too strong for his rivals in the 4yo Maiden at Portrush.

The son of Crystal Ocean was ridden prominently throughout the contest by Declan Lavery, and when given the office to assert, he quickened impressively to stretch away for a nine length victory.

He was sold by Emily MacMahon’s Lambertstown Stud to Turley’s Kingsfield Stud, and hails from the family of the former high class dual purpose performer Cape Tribulation.

Mourne Crystal was carrying the colours of Mary Turley, wife of the winning handler, who commented afterwards: “He is a lovely individual with a great attitude and a big engine. Hopefully he can develop into a very talented horse.”

The Downpatrick based handler purchased graded winners Koktail Brut and Bleu De Vassy at the Derby Sale, and judged on Saturday’s performance, we’ll be hearing plenty more of Mourne Crystal.

Jonathan Fogarty struck with his first four-year-old winner of the season courtesy of WHEREWEALLBELONG in the 4yo Maiden at Liscarroll.

The son of Saint Des Saints was purchased from Tom Howley’s Brook Lodge Farm by Fogarty’s Gaynestown for €75,000 in June 2025, and is a full-brother to the Grade 1 performer Saint Felician.

He routed his opposition, coming home 36 lengths clear of his nearest rival under Finny Maguire, and he looks an exciting future prospect.

Fogarty said: “We loved the pedigree and the sire at the Derby Sale. He’s a very athletic horse, and his homework has been very good. It’s great that he has done what we expected him to do, and we are delighted.”

Sean Doyle saddled WORDFROMHOME to win the opening division of the 4yo Geldings Maiden at Monksgrange.

The son of Poet’s Word provided rider Jamie Scallan with a landmark 100^th career winner, and he battled bravely to make a winning debut for owners the Monbeg Partnership.

His dam is out of a half-sister to this month’s Cheltenham Festival winner Johnnywho, who is also a Derby Sale graduate.

Sean Doyle commented afterwards: “He’s a gorgeous horse with a fabulous walk. He came highly recommended from John Flood of Boardsmill Stud. He cruised through the race, and stuck it out well to the line.”

John Flood purchased Wordfromhome from his breeder Ewan Johnston as a foal at the November National Hunt Sale in 2022.

Entries remain open for the 2026 Derby Sale, which last year saw 38 lots exceeding the €100,000 mark, and 12 lots selling for €150,000 or more. All horses catalogued for eligible for the €100,000 Tattersalls Ireland MSL Mercedes-Benz Sales Bumper, run at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. The vendor of the winning horse will drive away in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLC.