Constantinople destroys rivals

Constantinople powered away in the closing stages to bring up a quick Ballydoyle double at Thurles in impressive fashion.

Front-running again proved the successful tactic in the mile maiden for colts and geldings.

The 4/11 shot tussled for the lead early with another Aidan O'Brien-trained son of Galileo, Gathering Storm and had a definite lead after three furlongs.

Donnacha O'Brien asked the hotpot to stretch passing the two pole and he galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a 10 length victory over Counting Sheep

The winner had been third on his last outing over in Newmarket last month and looked to be taking a significant drop in class today.

The champion jockey elect said afterwards:- "He had the experience and it was a moderate race so it was nice to get one.

“He is a good looking horse, will stay further and will get 1m4f next year, and the ground suits him."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)