Paardeberg Stud’s well performed stallion Expert Eye enjoyed big race success on Thursday.
His high-class daughter Snellen claimed her first group win when she won the G3 BoyleSports Meld Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday.

All eyes were on the Dermot Weld-trained Purview, who was sent off the 4-6 market leader under Colin Keane after chasing home subsequent Eclipse winner Delacroix in a Derby Trial at this track back in May.

However, it was the 16-1 shot Snellen who came home a short-head winner for trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Shane Foley after a thrilling duel in the final furlong.

While Snellen came from last to lead at the business end, Keane momentarily struggled to find a run aboard the favourite and although Purview gave his all when clear, Snellen was just too game and held on at the line.

Four-year-old Snellen, who is out of the Sea The Moon mare Illumined, has won six of 19 starts, with the filly’s previous wins including the 2023 Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Snellen is one of four stakes winners for her sire, with Expert Eye responsible for a further five black type placed performers.
Winner of five races including the 2018 G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, Expert Eye is also responsible for recent Listed Raymond & Kathleen Corbett Memorial City Plate Stakes runner up Witness Stand.