Piazza San Marco, a son of Coolmore’s first-crop sire St Mark’s Basilica, secured his first win and became the sire’s 12th winner and second TDN Rising Star at Galway. After a disappointing run at Fairyhouse in June, the Ballydoyle-trained colt returned strongly to win an extended mile maiden by 3 1/4 lengths, showcasing his potential under jockey Ronan Whelan. stable representative Chris Armstrong praised Piazza San Marco as a “smashing colt” with above-average ability, expecting him to excel over middle distances next year and step up to Stakes company.
Piazza San Marco boasts an impressive pedigree as the first foal of Willow, a Listed Naas Oaks Trial winner and G3 Blue Wind Stakes third, who descends from the champion Peeping Fawn. This lineage includes multiple Stakes performers and notable relatives such as Chesham winner September and King Edward VII runner-up Tasman Bay. The family traces back to Blush With Pride, dam of Belmont winners Rags To Riches and Jazil, highlighting Piazza San Marco’s strong genetic potential for success.
