Friendless Sir Dragonet wins well on debut

The easy to back Sir Dragonet ran out a comfortable winner of the Fundraising Events At Tipperary Races Maiden, completing a double on the card for Aidan O'Brien.

As short as 11/2 in early shows, the son of Camelot opened on-course at 8s, before going off a 14/1 chance under Seamie Heffernan.

Fellow Ballydoyle inmate King Pellinor was the one for money, with this once raced brown colt eventually going off the 4/5 favourite, having opened on-course at 11/10.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner, Sir Dragonet made good progress from early in the straight and was soon delivered to challenge.

He got to the front with over a furlong to race and soon shot clear, going on to score impressively by three lengths. Zarafshan (7/2) finished second under Oisin Orr for Dermot Weld, while the grey Heavenly Snow (16/1) was half a length back in third.

King Pellinor had a far from clear passage in the straight, and he eventually finished seventh under Donnacha O'Brien.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He is a very well bred horse, he is out of Sparrow and has a Galileo pedigree.

"He has been there a while but has obviously been sleeping and that can happen sometimes. That's why we get them out just in case that is the way but it's nice to find him.

"A horse with a pedigree like that could be anything.

"He is in the King Edward Stakes in Ascot and we'll see where we go.

"The first winner (Pistoletto) has plenty speed and we were delighted with him. Donnacha thought he was a smart horse.

"I was delighted with Cape Of Good Hope yesterday and he seems to be well. We went there because we weren't sure about the distance or the track and he obviously coped with both well.

"Ryan thought he would stay further and we'll get through all the trials first and see where we are going. He can be there to go wherever now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

D. O'Brien, rider of King Pellinor trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got stopped in his run.

R.P. Whelan, rider of Montana Gold trained by A. Kinsella, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left, didn't move very well and lost its action.

The Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final 2 furlongs involving King Pellinor, ridden by D. O'Brien, Nobel Joshua (AUT), ridden by L.F. Roche and Zarafshan, ridden by O.J. Orr, where it appeared that King Pellinor ran short of room and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that O.J. Orr was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard cautioned him on this occasion.

The Stewards enquired into an incident at the bend past the stands involving Dsoloman ridden by H.J. Horgan, Gealach ridden by R. Coakley, Lightsider ridden by R.C. Colgan, Malbas (GB), ridden by K.J. Leonard and Trossachs (GB), ridden by K.J. Manning, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was accidental in nature and took no further action.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes