Blood Moon (blinkers) is ridden out by Colin Keane to beat Golden Pearl© Photo Healy Racing
The Ger Lyons trained Blood Moon recorded his third career success, as he took the feature at Fairyhouse this evening, the Coral.ie Rated Race.
Twice successful at Dundalk last year, and placed in Group 3 company, the son of Equiano was beaten into third by Munshid on his seasonal reappearance at Dundalk in April.
He was then a disappointing ninth in a handicap at Naas, before finishing a respectable sixth to Washington DC on his last start in a Listed contest at Navan.
Taking a drop in class this evening he was sent off an 11/4 chance under Colin Keane in the colours of owner Sean Jones.
Settled in second he improved to lead as they turned into the straight. He was ridden from the two furlong pole, and kept on well inside the final furlong, going on to score by a length and three parts. Golden Pearl finished second under Shane Foley for Mick Halford at 7/4, while 16/1 outsider Fit For Function was two and a quarter lengths back in third.
The 11/8 favourite Munshid proved very disappointing, as he trailed home last under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast.
Ger Lyons said afterwards: "I think he deserves that. He's grown into a fine big horse.
"I thought the penalty he got for running at Navan might have caught him out.
"He's a tricky individual and does nothing at home. We can't even work him. He just leads two-year-old's and is as lazy as sin.
"Colin said he was in front plenty long enough. The conditions here suited and thankfully he has capitalised.
"He might win a Listed race but it would have to be a poor one. That Listed race at Navan was a proper one. He ran up to his level but wasn't good enough. He might win one as long as the big boys stay away.
"He's a nice horse and he'll put numbers on the board through the year so he'll stay on the team."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
