Antelope scores in first time cheekpieces

Antelope Canyon got off the mark on his third start as he took the opener at Roscommon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, under Joseph O'Brien for his father Aidan.

Last on his debut at Leopardstown the son of Fastnet Rock was fifth to Final Frontier on his next start at the Curragh.

Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time today he tracked the leader in the early stages before improving to the front after two furlongs.

He was ridden under two furlongs out and while he was strongly pressed inside the final furlong he battled gamely to prevail by three parts of a length. Escondida finished second at 9/4 under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger while the 13/8 favourite Haraz finished last - Shane Foley reported his saddle slipped after a furlong and a half.

The winner was 9/2 last night but opened on-course at 6's before going off an 11/2 chance.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He was very green first time out. Emmet (McNamara) rode him and said he would come on a lot. He was still green at the Curragh but better today.

"The step up to seven furlongs helped him, and he'll progress with racing."

STEWARDS REPORT

S. Foley, rider of Haraz, trained by M.Halford, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his saddle slipped within the first one and a half furlongs of this race and he was unable to assist his mount from thereon.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee