De Bromhead and Whelan combine for big-priced double
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 17 May 2026
Henry de Bromhead saddled a big-priced double highlighted by Wannabe Royal winning the Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes at Naas.
Sent off at 33-1, Wannabe Royal made almost all under Ronan Whelan and held off a late challenge from Expanded and Greek Mythology to win by a head.
Whelan stretched them out in the early stages before Greek Mythology laid down a challenge a furlong out, however, she dug deep and while Expanded was gaining with every stride, the line came in time.
De Bromhead said: “She is a lovely filly. It was an amazing ride from Ronan, he is riding out of his skin.
“She really battled back. Ronan said we needed seven furlongs and a bend, in fairness to him. So when he came out I said ‘now, you’ve got seven and a bend’.
“In fairness, he got it right. He was spot on. I’m delighted for the Marigas (owners). They are great supporters of ours, great breeders. She’s obviously a valuable filly for the paddocks.
“It was my fault the last day. We ran at the Curragh and she ran a cracker in the Gladness over seven. I got it in my head she wanted six. There was a six furlong race the following week on soft ground in Cork and I went there and I got it completely wrong.”
De Bromhead had earlier landed the Twydil/Clovelly Irish EBF Fillies Maiden with 50-1 outsider Totally Puzzled.
Tailed off on her seasonal return, she took a big step forward wearing a hood for the first time and was always doing enough to hold off Elmakaya by a head.
De Bromhead said: “I’m delighted with that. Ronan gave her a super ride. The last run was just so bad, it was too bad to be true. She was beaten a long way out. I’d say it must just have been really testing ground I presume.
“Her first run was a real good run so it’s nice to see her back to form.
“She was fancied the last day at the Curragh but she just seemed to really struggle for whatever reason. In fairness, Colin Keane suggested dropping back to a mile and the stiff mile really suited her.
“Ronan said she really put her head down and really stuck her neck out. I have to say Ronan has given ours great rides recently so am delighted for him as well.”
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