Gale Force Ten proves too strong

Champion Trainer Aidan O'Brien was on hand at Dundalk this evening to welcome Gale Force Ten into the winner's enclosure following the Listed Elusive Pimpernel Patton Stakes.

Gale Force Ten's task was made easier when second favourite Cougar Ridge was withdrawn having refused to load.

In the race the winner, under the trainer's son Joseph O'Brien, improved to lead two furlongs out before scoring a two and three quarters lengths win over Dont Bother Me

Afterwards O'Brien Snr stated “I'm delighted with that. We thought he might be a French Guineas type of horse and looking at that I'd say he'll get a mile and he loves fast ground.

“There's a trial race in France and he could go for that on the way but he didn't look too unfit there and mightn't have to have it (the trial).”

Regarding two of his runners at the weekend, he added “Nephrite is in good form. He's back to seven furlongs again and while we thought he didn't get the trip when he ran over it last year, he is older and stronger now. Ernest Hemmingway is also in good form.”

Quotes from Gary Carson