Eliza Park based shuttler Astronomer Royal sired his first winner at Newbury on Friday.  His colt Sir Patrick Moore won on debut in the Hildon Maiden Stakes over 1200m.

Sir Patrick Moore (2c Astronomer Royal – America Nova by Verglas) was unwanted at $41 but he disputed the lead and then refused to surrender for a half-length victory.  He is trained by Harry Dunlop after costing 16,000 euros at the 2011 Arqana October yearling sale.

Astronomer Royal (Danzig) won the 2007 French 2000 Guineas and he was also placed in that year’s French Derby.  He stands at Haras de la Reboursiere and shuttled to Blue Gum Farm for two years before relocating to Eliza Park for a fee of $8,800.

Sir Patrick Moore is the first foal out of French Listed winner America Nova (Verglas).  He’s only the second runner from the first northern crop of Astronomer Royal who stands in Normandy for a 5,000 euros fee.

Astronomer Royal (USA) had his first southern yearlings sell to $260,000 at the 2012 majors.  Topping the list was the colt from Chelsey Cry (USA) that Greg Eurell bought at the Gold Coast Magic Millions.