4 and counting for Ballydoyle

Ivanovich Gorbatov was popular in the betting from early in the day for the Racecourse Of The Year Handicap at Leopardstown and he credited Aidan O'Brien with his fourth winner of the evening as his son Joseph made it three.

The three-year-old, contesting his first handicap and also with blinkers added, went off as the 11/4 market-leader and if you were 'on' Ivanovich Gorbatov the most concern may have been at the start.

He was unruly in the stalls and a bit slowly away but he stamped his authority on proceedings in the straight and came home two lengths to the good from Venezia

"He travelled well and they probably didn't go mad," said Joseph O'Brien.

"He got a little upset beforehand in the stalls but he always travelled like the winner and quickened up well. He surprised me a bit.

"He works nicely at home. Life is probably over for him now in handicaps. Hopefully he'll progress with racing.

"It's been a good night."

The other Ballydoyle winners were Lieutenant General (Joseph), The Crewmaster (Joseph), Fields Of Athenry (Seamie Heffernan) and this fellow.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Hurricane Sky trained by Charles O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

L.F. Roche, rider of Caesar's Song trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not act on the ground.

(GC & EM)