Art holds off unlucky Australia

If Australia hadn't missed the break badly in the opening Barronstown Stud European Breeders Fund (C & G) Maiden he'd surely have won at the Curragh. He did 'blow the start' though and despite coming home strongly it wasn't enough to catch the neck winner, Renaissance Art

Renaissance Art represented Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning in this newcomer's heat. The American-bred races in the familiar Mrs Jim Ryan silks and he sported a hood. Easy-to-back at 10/1, the victorious More Than Ready colt travelled with ease through the seven furlongs.

The question was what he'd find when Manning asked for more and the answer was plenty as he stayed on well in the final furlong to hold off the very promising, beautifully bred Australia.

Ger Flynn, representing Bolger, said: "Kevin was delighted with him and said he'll improve bundles. He's still a baby and he's still learning.

"We're very happy with him and he's a very nice colt. Kevin said it rode like a very good race."

Given that Aidan O'Brien trains Australia, it was a bit of a coincidence that Bolger himself was at Croke Park cheering on human Aidan O'Brien-trained performers.

In this case the O'Brien in question is the Westmeath-native in charge of the Wexford senior football team. They're currently battling with Meath for a place in the Leinster Final.

Boylesports go 33/1 Renaissance Art for next year's Guineas whilt they go 20/1 Australia. Paddy Power make the pair 25/1 chances. (GC & EM)