Bucky just prevails in Leopardstown opener

Bucky Larson and Conclusion battled out the finish to the Leopardstown Summer Pass Maiden, with the former just prevailing under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons.

A good second to Alghabrah at Dundalk on his debut last month, the son of Footstepsinthesand finished a disappointing fifth on his next start at the all-weather venue.

Backed from 11s to 8s on-course, the bay gelding was settled behind leaders and raced mainly in fourth.

He came with his challenge on the outer from early in the straight, and had a tremendous battle with Conclusion inside the final furlong, with just a nose separating them at the line.

The runner-up was returned 5/2 favourite (from 10/3), with Seamie Heffernan aboard this son of Deep Impact for Aidan O'Brien. Tremendous Leap (4/1) completed the placings another three lengths back in third for Donnacha and Joseph O'Brien.

The winner was bought for 50,000 guineas as a yearling at Tattersalls in October of 2016.

Lyons said afterwards: "He made the running the last day and it was just the wrong way to ride him. His work is good at home and he loves hunting one down.

"He got there and either he idled or the other horse seen him and had something to chase down. It was a good run and they have pulled clear, and that is what we expected him to do in Dundalk. We were disappointed coming out of Dundalk but I would rather win here."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards requested a report from G.M.Lyons, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Bucky Larson, placed first, as compared with its recent form. G.M. Lyons stated that his charge ran well on his first run having been dropped in. On his last run, there was no pace and he had to make all the running. On this occasion, G.M. Lyons reverted to tactics used on his first run, and this suited his charge better today. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee