Red-hot favourite Old Glory was unable to resist the late charge of No Needs Never in the iCopy Irish EBF Star Appeal Stakes at Dundalk.
Aidan O’Brien’s Old Glory became the first Irish-trained horse to carry the Zayat Stables colours made famous by Triple Crown hero American Pharoah when making a winning debut at Naas last month.
The $1.6million purchase and son of Frankel looked every inch an top-class prospect as he secured a comfortable victory and he was the 4-6 market leader to maintain his unbeaten record in a Listed contest O’Brien won for four consecutive years between 2012 and 2015.
Ridden by the trainer’s son, Donnacha, Old Glory made the running for much of the seven-furlong journey.
However, the Joseph O’Brien-trained 8-1 shot No Needs Never came from the rear to grab the lead and prevail by a length and three-quarters in the hands of Seamie Heffernan.
Heffernan said: “Joseph fancied him. He had a very good run the last day (finished fourth at Doncaster) and was possibly a little bit unlucky.
“The only disappointing run he had was in Royal Ascot and that can often get to a horse.
“I was impressed with him and he could be something to look forward to.
“I always had him (Old Glory) covered.”
