Thistle Bird takes flight for Group One glory

Thistle Bird struck Group One gold at the age of six as she dispelled any stamina concerns with an emphatic victory in the Newbridge Silverware Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh yesterday.

Her previous seven wins had come at shorter distances, but she had no problem staying the mile and a quarter for trainer Roger Charlton and jockey George Baker.

Last year’s winner Ambivalent tried to lead all the way but she was stalked by Venus De Milo, who went on early in the straight.