English raider Seamster takes opener

Seamster proved too hot to handle for his rivals as the English raider claimed the opener at Laytown today.

Colin Keane was soon in front on the Richard Ford-trained gelding and he kicked a few lengths clear going to the two pole.

The 3/1 favourite kept on in the closing stages to record a length-and-three-quarters success as Doonard Prince stayed on from the rear to take the runner-up spot.

The winner had been successful seven-times previously on all-weather surfaces in England and was his trainer's first runner in Ireland.

“We’ve had this in mind for a little while and Philip (Bamford) is a very sporting owner,” said Ford afterwards.

“It’s a bit strange as your turf mark here is what you run off on the beach. He’s 15lb lower on turf than the all-weather in Britain but he got a compromise mark here of 10lb lower.

"I was a bit worried that he was not allowed to wear blinkers as he’s worn them about 26 times but was hoping that the weight advantage would compensate for not having the blinkers.

“I’m staying locally with Eamonn Delaney. The horses are going back this evening but I’m staying on for the motor bike road racing later this week. Hopefully the bikes will go as well as the horses!”

Keane added: “I let him bowl along and he loved it out in front the whole way. He was getting a little bit idle in the last furlong but he loved it.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)