New debut winner for Lucky Vega

🇮🇪Navan Racing Festival 15th & 16th November Median Auction Maiden @NavanRacecourse
Navan – Maiden – 2 ans – 1170m – 16 Pts – 15 000 €

🏆Kindergarten (f) (Ire) 🏇Shane Foley
📖(Lucky Vega (Ire) @IrishNatStud – Maria Montessori (Ire) par Galileo (Ire))

🕶️J… pic.twitter.com/KbxqxoEgwS

— French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) October 8, 2025

Kindergarten’s Debut Victory at Navan

 

On 8th October 2025, at Navan Racecourse, Kindergarten (IRE) made a striking first impression by winning the Median Auction Maiden over 5 furlongs and 180 yards.

 

The Race

From the start, Kindergarten broke smartly and was always in touch with the leaders. As they turned for home, she was pushed along over a furlong out, made her move, and then managed to get the lead with about 100 yards remaining. She stayed on strongly up the hill to win by three‑quarters of a length. Her nearest rivals were Ocean’s Breath (IRE) in second, and Anushka (IRE)(Invincible Spirit) in third.

Early Potential: Kindergarten’s strong break, staying power up the hill, and ability to mount a challenge late suggest physical maturity and composure beyond many debutantes.

Connections:

Trainer: Jessica Harrington

Jockey: Shane Foley

Owner: Zhang Yuesheng

Breeder: Yulong Investments

 

Pedigree: Kindergarten is by Lucky Vega out of Maria Montessori (by Galileo).

Maria Montessori is out of Lesson In Humility (IRE), making her a full-sister to Tiger Moth and Butterscotch and a half-sister to Coach House. Her foal this year is a full-brother to Kindergarten.

 

Harrington was quoted as saying the filly has natural speed, good action, and that she has “always liked her.” She also noted that she thought Kindergarten might prefer slightly better ground. The comment about the ground suggests that the performance should improve if the surface is more to her liking.

 

Looking Ahead:

Next Races: Kindergarten may now step into higher class company. It will be likely her connections aim for stakes races in the near future. Kindergarten’s win at Navan was a strong debut that showed both talent and composure. If all goes well, she could be one to follow as the flat season progresses and into next year. Her combination of breeding, speed, and a well‑judged debut make her a filly with scope to compete at a notable grade.

 

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