Bomberg upsets odds-on favourite to make winning debut

The Aidan O'Brien trained newcomer Bomberg made a winning start to his career when staying on strongly close home under Wayne Lordan to land Division l of the Conference &Banqueting Facilities At Limerick Racecourse Maiden.

A son of Siyouni, the 11/2 chance was weak in the market as Vadali was sent off a well supported 8/11f favourite under Ronan Whelan.

The latter was sent straight to the front from stalls, settling nicely at the head of affairs as Mapa and Cathedral Peak gave chase.

Extending his advantage from two furlongs out, Vadali looked set for a comfortable success before Lordan arrived from off the pace on the eventual winner.

Pushed along on the outer entering the straight, Bomberg went fourth over a furlong out. Staying on strongly to take second inside the final furlong, Lordan led close home for a snug one-and-a-quarter length success.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: “He’s a massive big horse who has just taken time and is still carrying plenty of condition.

“We thought coming here he could be a smart enough horse and Wayne was delighted with him. He said he was still plenty raw but travelled into it nicely.

“We thought he might be a seven-furlong or mile horse but Wayne thinks he’s somewhere between a mile and a mile and a quarter so he gives you plenty of options.

“We’ll see how he comes out of it and make a plan but he’s one to look forward to.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.