Ard San Aer books Royal Ascot ticket

Jim Bolger's Ard San Aer stepped up on his debut runner-up finish when landing the opening six furlong juvenile auction maiden at Leopardstown. Mint Chai attracted plenty of euro this morning in being backed from 13/8 to 5/4, but at the track it was a different story as he drifted out to 2/1. However, he still retained favouritism ahead of Ard San Aer (3/1 to 5/2).

Kevin Manning soon had Ard San Aer racing in third on the outer. Entering the straight and Mint Chai took over at the head of affairs with Ard San Aer poised to challenge on his shoulder.

It was evident that Ard San Aer was travelling strongly and he was unleashed inside the final furlong to take over from Mint Chai and win by a length.

Trainer Jim Bolger said: "I was not sure if he'd handle the ground as he's a real top of the ground horse. You probably won't see him again until the Norfolk Stakes." Galway Bay at 16/1 kept on for third, a further half a length away. The first two home were the only horses in the race with previous experience.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee