Irish exports feature prominently in Doha

THE Irish-bred Itorio won the Qatar Silver Trophy at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club in Doha on Thursday.

Formerly trained here by Sheila Lavery, Itorio won a maiden at Naas last June and was not beaten far by Group 1 winners Dick Whittington and Gleneagles. The son of Oratorio was sold at the inaugural Goffs Champions Sale at Leopardstown in September for €300,000.

Another €300,000 lot at that sale, Ponfeigh is also racing in Qatar and was just pipped in Thursday’s Qatar Gold Trophy by the Frankie Dettori-ridden Dubday. The winner, a son of Dubawi, has won five times in Qatar.