Corbata gets Oxx off the mark

John Oxx got off the mark for the new season as Corbata defied top-weight to win the Leopardstown Club Summer Membership Handicap under Declan McDonogh.

The son of Invincible Spirit won his maiden at Dundalk in November and finished a good third to Stormfly, who won the Group 3 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes on Sunday, on his seasonal reappearance at the Curragh last month.

Having opened the clear 15/8 favourite with Paddy Power last night he eased out to 9/4 (joint-favourite) at the off.

Settled in second, behind market rival Sakhees Jack he was ridden to lead over a furlong out and he kept on well under pressure to hold off the persistent challenge of Duca Valentinois (14/1) and Caroline Murtagh by half a length.

John Oxx said afterwards: "He went up 2lb over the weekend (after Stormfly won) so we decided to run before he had to carry it.

"Soft ground isn't a requirement for him. I'm sure they'd all prefer it better than that as it's gluey today.

"He's been very consistent and could go up to a mile or run over six on soft.

"He's done well for us. He's a lovely looking horse, very genuine, tough and he's big and scopey. We'll run him in another handicap and see."

The winner is owned by Newtown Anner Stud Farm who were doubling up having earlier won the second with Fascinating Rock

Additional reporting by Gary Carson