The Michael Halford trained Irishcorrespondent made a fine start to his racing career at Leopardstown today, winning the opening Leopardstown 'Summer Bundle' Maiden, under jockey Shane Foley.

The son of Teofilo, backed from 14/1 generally this morning into a 6/1 chance at the off, missed the break but in the end quickened well in the home straight, eventually improving to lead inside the final furlong for a three and a half lengths win over Music Box

Runner-up Music Box is at the centre of a Rule 212 Appeals Hearing on Monday, having been initially suspended from racing, under that rule, for 42 days at Dundalk recently.

Following Irishcorrespondent’s success, Halford stated “he’s been working well and we thought he’d improve from the run. He has a touch of class about him, and an attitude and temperament to go with it. An exciting prospect.

“He’s only been on grass once and we took him away to Dundalk one day just to give him a day away from home. He’d go another two furlongs no problem.

“On that performance we will have to look at a Stakes race next. You don’t win maidens like that without being able to step up.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee