Joseph O’Brien won a Cox Plate with Starspangledbanner stallion State of Rest (IRE) and he also puts the polish on his super impressive new winner Star of State, who won by daylight at Leopardstown overnight.
Second on debut earlier this month, Star of State took plenty of benefit from that outing and was a short priced favourite for the 6 ½ f maiden with Dylan Browne McMonagle to ride.
Star of State made a mess of her rivals to race away and win by nine lengths in a commanding display.
You don't see that camera angle at @LeopardstownRC often 🤣
Just the nine-length win for Star Of State pic.twitter.com/RFoTYPSloZ
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 16, 2026
“We liked her going to Fairyhouse, we were very happy with that run, and she was very impressive today,” Joseph O’Brien said.
“I don’t know how strong a race it was, but you don’t really see more impressive maiden winners than that. I’m delighted for [sire] State Of Rest and I’m delighted for Mr Jaber.
“It’s our first winner for him and she looks a very exciting filly. Dylan [Browne McMonagle] said she’s got plenty of pace for six [furlongs] and he thinks she’ll probably have no trouble with seven. I think there’s lots to look forward to. Mr Jaber mentioned that we might go to the Lowther [G2 at York] next month, so I suppose we’ll see how she pulls up and then we’ll make those plans.”
Star of State also holds an entry for the Group II Debutante Stakes next month at the Curragh.
Star of State wins the opener, the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden 🏇
A smart performance from the Joseph O’Brien-trained colt under Dylan Browne McMonagle. pic.twitter.com/zTsiqP9DBy
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) July 16, 2026
Star of State was purchased for €85,000 from the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale by Rabbah Bloodstock from the draft of her breeder Mountarmstrong Stud.
She is the third winner from five foals to race from Group III winning Dark Angel mare Nations Alexander.
Star of State is the second winner for four time Group I winner State of Rest, who stands at Rathbarry Stud in Ireland and shuttles to Newgate.
He is due back in Australia again this spring for his fourth season at a fee of $22,000 with his first runners here next season.
