Zayats start ‘global expansion’ with $1.88 million Old Glory

Old Glory’s victory in the finale Wednesday at Naas Racecourse carried significance beyond the 2-year-old colt’s success debuting as a $1.88 million yearling purchase. He also won in Zayat Stables silks — or, as they’re more commonly known overseas, American Pharoah’s colors.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien saddled the son of Frankel for a seven-furlong win in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. With son Donnacha O’Brien in the irons, the colt broke sharply, settled just off the pace and stormed down the middle of the track to win with easy.

Upon buying Old Glory — the Zayats’ first starter in Ireland — racing manager Justin Zayat had told the Racing Post that he was “looking for a rock star that can start our global expansion.”

Off at even money on the U.S. tote, that’s a strong beginning.

Out of the winning mare Belesta, Old Glory tracked down pace-setting Erich Bloch on the Naas turf for his win. These Days was third in the field of 16 juvenile runners.

Old Glory is campaigned in partnership with Coolmore connections, who also teamed with the Zayats on Kentucky Derby runner Solomini.