Cognitive stays on best to beat Griko

Cognitive Ease stayed on best to take the Racecourse Of The Year Maiden under Wayne Lordan for owner/trainer Paddy Twomey.

The son of Dutch Art ran a fine race on his debut at the Curragh in June of 2014, finishing fifth to Accepted.

Gelded since that run and stepping up to seven furlongs today he was sent off at 3/1 having opened at 7/2 on-course.

Settled behind the leaders in a share of third he was ridden under two furlongs out. He dropped to fifth at the furlong pole but found another gear in the closing stage and got up to score by half a length. Griko was sent off the 5/4 favourite (touched evens on-course) and he finished second under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld, while newcomer Tiffany (25/1) ran a fine race to take third, a further head back under Niall McCullagh for Frank Dunne.

Paddy Twomey said afterwards: "He was back off a long break. He's a very genuine, nice horse and probably needed every yard of the trip.

"I was delighted with the performance and the ride from Wayne. We'll see what the handicapper does but I won't be in a rush as he's just back."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson