Bellagio proves tough in Gowran opener

Bellagio Man defied his wide draw to run out a game winner of the opening Irish Stallions Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Gowran Park this afternoon.

The Ger Lyons-trained was on the wide outside in stall 19 but Colin Keane did well to get him across and tracking the leader.

He sent the 3/1 shot into the lead shortly after passing the two furlong pole and he found plenty in the closing stages as Sunwalk finished off well to get within a head at the line.

5/2 favourite True Artist blew the start and could only finish 11th.

Assistant Shane Lyons said afterwards:- “It was a good performance and he had to be brave.

“He has a terrible draw but it helped that the favourite got stuck in the stalls, fair play to Colin and the horse they took advantage of that.

“He's still a green horse and will improved from it. He was in front a long way from home and it was a fair performance.

“He wouldn't ideally like that ground, it went a bit slow, and we were a bit nervous before the race with the heavy showers yesterday and today.

“He's a good ground horse but because it was the first race we said we'd take our chance and got away with it.”