Aviatrice the latest stakes winner for Phoenix of Spain

A Victory Building on Form

Aviatrice, trained by David Marnane and ridden by jockey Luke McAteer, recorded a significant win in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cooley Fillies’ Stakes of €50,000.00 at Dundalk on Friday 7 November 2025. She ran over a mile on the all-weather surface and prevailed by a length from Jancis, with Naomi Lapaglia just a nose behind in third.

This victory comes on the back of good form at Dundalk: just a few weeks earlier Aviatrice had won a fillies’ handicap by almost five lengths at the same venue, also reinforcing the rich vein of form for her sire, Phoenix of Spain this season.

How the Race Unfolded

From the start, McAteer kept Aviatrice nicely positioned just behind the leading group, allowing her to settle and track the pace. About a furlong out, he found a gap, asked for effort, and Aviatrice delivered: she quickened to the front, edged right inside the final furlong and kept on strongly to secure the win. Trainer David Marnane was effusive in his praise: “She’s just getting better and better … She travels well … she loves that surface and will make a better four-year-old.” The jump to Listed company was handled with composure and taken in her stride. While the filly is in the December Mares Sale, the trainer expressed the hope that she remain in his yard to race on next season.

 

Aviatrice was offered from breeder Nanallac Stud at the Goff Orby Book 2 Sale in 2023 when selling to current owners MRC International.

 

The win marks a phenomenal season for Phoenix of Spain, he has climbed and held his position as the leading 3rd crop sire in Europe by Group Winners and has also graduated to establish himself in the top five on the  General Sires list by Graded Stakes winners and Graded Stakes horses.

 

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