Duke delivers at Roscommon

After a few false starts, Coolmore Stud shuttler Duke Of Marmalade moved off the mark at Roscommon on Monday evening.

Ballydoyle colt Count Of Limonade did the honours in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (1400m).  He made all the running at his third start to defeat odds-on favourite Daymooma (Pivotal).

Seven of Duke Of Marmalade’s first northern crop had a dozen starts between them before Count Of Limonade broke through in Ireland.  “He kept it uncomplicated and he was genuine,” winning rider Joseph O’Brien said.  “He was very green in front and will be better on nicer ground.”

Count Of Limonade (2c Duke Of Marmalade – Hoity Toity by Darshaan) was a 140,000 euros buy for Coolmore agent Demi O’Byrne at the 2011 Goffs September yearling sale.  Connections know the family well having raced his older half-sister Lillie Langtry (Danehill Dancer) to G1 victories in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill) has 85 foals from his first southern crop and they are now rising two year-olds.  His first Hunter Valley book included high-class mares Glammis (G2 winning 2yo), Dizzy De Lago (dam of Musir), How Funny (2003 Golden Slipper runner-up) and Lover’s Knot (dam of Viewed).

Duke Of Marmalade was a five-time Group 1 winner and Count Of Limonade holds G1 entries for the Phoenix Stakes (Aug 12) and Vincent O’Brien Stakes (Sept 15) at the Curragh.