Cheekpieces work a treat on Jim

The opening race at Bellewstown this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden, went to the 11/8 favourite Lord Jim for trainer Patrick Prendergast with Colm O'Donoghue in the saddle.

The 3yo son of Holy Roman Emperor was losing his maiden tag on the ninth time of asking wearing cheekpieces for the first time.

He had his last two runs in handicap company but reverting back to a maiden today he came with his challenge a furlong out and soon led before going on to score by two and a quarter lengths. Jpevie finished second at 4/1 for John McConnell and Shane Foley while That Boy David was a further length and three parts back in third at 3/1 under Gary Carroll for Ger Lyons.

Winning rider Colm O'Donoghue said afterwards: "Patrick (winning trainer Patrick Prendergast) was very confident and he said he is a very straightforward horse and that he would take a lot of beating.

"The cheekpieces helped him too."

(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)