June Newsletter
Carmers Conquers Royal Ascot – June Update from Paddy Twomey Racing
Good afternoon all and thank you for taking a moment to read through our June newsletter.
The past month has delivered unforgettable moments for the yard, including our first Royal Ascot winner and plenty of success at home. Here’s a quick recap of recent successes and what’s next for us here at Athassel House Stud.
A first Royal Ascot success with Carmers | Healy Racing
Royal Ascot Glory for Carmers
June 18th saw us achieve a moment we’ve long worked toward—our first ever Royal Ascot winner. Carmers, already unbeaten and progressive, lined up in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase on his third career start. Under a confident ride from Billy Lee, he settled beautifully and quickened smartly in the straight to take the race in commanding style—breaking the course record in the process.
Just a month earlier, Carmers announced himself on the scene with an authoritative win in the Listed Yeats Stakes at Navan, showing staying prowess and composure beyond his experience.
That win booked his ticket to Ascot—and his Queen’s Vase success proved it was no overreach.
It’s rare to find a colt that improves with every step up in trip and class, but Carmers continues to rise to every challenge. He remains unbeaten from three starts and we are now looking closely at a Group 1 campaign, with the St Leger in the autumn a live possibility.
At Royal Ascot, Rogue Legend and Catalina Delcarpio also ran well to finish third in the Windor Castle and Ribblesdale Stakes, giving encouraging performances against top-class competition. Their runs added valuable experience and highlighted their potential at the highest level.
Magical Hope Lands Group 3 at Cork
On June 13th, Magical Hope added Group 3 victory to her résumé with a commanding front-running display in the Group 3 Munster Oaks.
She travelled with confidence and found plenty under Colin Keane, striding clear to win by more than two lengths.
Her scope for improvement and versatility gives us several options going forward. The Pretty Polly Stakes is one possibility, as she continues to develop into a classy middle-distance filly.
A First Career Treble at Cork Racecourse
We were pleased to record our first career treble at Cork this month, with Rogue Legend, No Alibi, and Royal Entry all returning to the winners’ enclosure.
It marked an important milestone and reflects the current strength and consistency within the yard. Seeing all three deliver on the day was particularly rewarding and highlights the positive momentum we've built as the season progresses
Royal Entry’s Impressive Progression
Royal Entry has made notable progress this season. She opened her campaign with an emphatic win at Cork, displaying a sharp turn of foot to see off a competitive field.
At Down Royal, she stepped up to Listed level in His Majesty’s Plate and ran a creditable fourth over two miles—her first try at the trip.
She returned to winning ways in the Ulster Oaks, finishing with purpose to take the race impressively. Her versatility across distances and her progressive profile make her an exciting prospect for the rest of the season.
A Look Ahead to Derby Weekend at The Curragh
As we turn toward one of the highlights of the Irish Flat calendar, preparations are well underway for Derby weekend at the Curragh.
It’s always a special few days of racing, and we’re set to be well represented across several key contests.
We’re looking forward to running a strong team across the weekend.
Derby Weekend Entries
Friday
Lock 13 Gastropub&Brewpub Irish EBF M'dn
Dreamy Skies
O'Driscolls Whiskey Irish EBF (F) Mdn
Phenomenal Filly
Dreamy Skies
Saturday
Airlie Stud Stakes
Dreamy Skies
Al Basti Equiworld International Stakes
Deepone
Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stks
Purple Lily
Beechwood
Bubble Gum
Magical Hope
One Look
Catalina Delcarpio
Royal Entry
Keadeen Hotel Irish EBF M'dn
Naples
Sunday
Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stks
King Cuan
Super Sox
Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes
Currawood
Racing mourns the loss of legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast
Kevin Prendergast was someone I deeply admired—not just for his exceptional talent as a trainer, but for his genuine character and unwavering dedication.
He had a remarkable eye for a horse and a lifelong love for the game that never wavered. It was always a privilege to stand beside him at the races.
He’ll be sadly missed, and fondly remembered.