Fox and Adjudicator share spoils in opener

Fox Dream and Mr Adjudicator shared the spoils in the opener at Listowel after the judge failed to split the pair after a thrilling finish.

Fox Dream made the running in the seven-furlong contest and the 12/1 shot appeared set for victory when kicking a few lengths clear over a furlong from home, under Wayne Lordan.

20/1 shot Mr Adjudicator flew home in the closing stages, however, and got up on the line to dead-heat under Connor King.

2/1 favourite Room To Roam also finished well and was only a half length back in third.

Austin Leahy, trainer of Fox Dream, said afterwards: "She is after growing an inch since she last ran and that's why I didn't run her until now.

“I love her and also love the stallion who (from his first crop) had a Stakes winner already this morning in New Zealand.

"I won't be in any hurry and will wait and see as she id still growing."

Joe Murphy, trainer of Mr Adjudicator, said: "He is a lovely horse and there's huge improvement in him. He is the pick of the horses to take out of the race, I've no plan."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)