Gun Runner Colt Shines at Dundalk

Coolmore's expensive broodmare purchase Campanelle (IRE) opened her account as a broodmare Aug. 15 when her first foal Ile de France shed his maiden tag at the second time of asking at Dundalk Stadium. Trained by Aidan O'Brien for Coolmore and their partners, the 2-year-old son of Gun Runner, sent off the 4-5 favorite under Wayne Lordan, took a notable step forward from his debut to land the maiden over a mile. Having raced prominently, Ile de France was sent to the front over a furlong from home and had to dig deep when challenged by Moliere in the closing stages. He ultimately prevailed by a neck, with his stablemate Aachen—another Coolmore-owned, Kentucky-bred Gun Runner colt—another 1 3/4 lengths away in third. By United States sire sensation Gun Runner, the Kentucky-bred colt is the first foal out of Campanelle, the dual group 1-winning daughter of Kodiac (GB) for whom M.V. Magnier paid $5 million at Fasig-Tipton's The November Sale in 2022. Campanelle was bred in Ireland by Tally-Ho Stud and had changed hands for 190,000 guineas when bought by Ben McElroy at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in 2019. She went on to become one of the leading performers trained by Wesley Ward for Stonestreet Stables, winning the 2020 Queen Mary Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot before defeating Coventry Stakes (G2) winner Nando Parrado (GB) in the Prix Morny (G1) at Deauville Racecourse. Campanelle returned to Royal Ascot the following season, crossing the line in second behind Dragon Symbol (GB) in the Commonwealth Cup (G1) before being awarded the race following a stewards' inquiry. She showed that her ability remained intact at 4 when finishing a close third in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes (G1) and winning the Ladies Sprint Stakes (G3T) at Kentucky Downs. The Three Chimneys Farm-based Gun Runner has developed into one of the most exciting sires in America. His 14 top-level performers include 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Sierra Leone, 2022 Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Early Voting, and Kentucky Oaks (G1) heroine Always a Runner. He stood the 2026 season at Three Chimneys Farm for $250,000. There is plenty of speed on Ile de France's female side. Campanelle is out of the Namid mare Janina, winner of the 2007 Marygate Stakes at York Racecourse, who was bought by Tally-Ho Stud for 39,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale in 2016.