Ballydoyle newcomer wins on debut

Aidan O'Brien completed a double at Galway today when his well supported newcomer Landofhopeandglory (11/8) won the 'This Is The Ladbrokes Life' European Breeders Fund Maiden under the Champion Flat Trainer's son Joseph O'Brien.

The son of High Chapparal had been backed from 2/1 this morning and moved past favourite Kitten Loves Roses early in the home straight before staying on well to beat fast finishing Alaskan Son by a neck.

O'Brien junior later commented "he's a lovely big horse and was quite green.

"I was conscious of getting there a bit too soon and wanted to wait as long as I could. When he got there he looked around and I nearly won on the bridle.

"I really like him, he's a huge big imposing horse and to go around this track first time and win is not easily done.

"I think he has a bright future and could go back to seven or stay at a mile.

"He's a very big horse and I'd imagine whatever he does this year is a bonus."

Trainer O'Brien was recording his third winner of the Festival, having already had a winner today when Tigris River won the opening maiden hurdle.

Regarding the horse's name, a 2006 survey conducted by the BBC suggested that 55% of the English public would rather have "Land of Hope and Glory" than "God Save the Queen" as their national anthem.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson