Galen a very taking winner at Headquarters

Galen routed the opposition with a nine-length victory in the median auction maiden on the Curragh's card.

The 4/7 favourite had filled the runner-up spot on his two previous appearances at Headquarters and ran away with this race.

He was tanking at the head of affairs inside the final quarter of a mile and, once Dylan Browne McMonagle gave him the office over a furlong out, he shot clear and pulverised the field. Tango Five (50/1) was a remote second and was three lengths clear of Lucky Out (16/1).

Joseph O'Brien said: “We're really happy with him. We've always thought the world of him, he had a setback after this run here last year and he ran a good race here on his comeback and he came forward since then.

“I don't think they are his conditions, but I'm delighted that he won well and you have to say he was very impressive.

“I'm delighted for the owners Ger Fitzgerald, Paul Redmond and Barry Fowler. They had to be patient with this guy and hopefully the patience will be rewarded between now and the end of the season.”

When asked if he would step into a Stakes race now, he added: “I think so, that would be the logical stepping stone.

“At the moment I'd be thinking about sticking at a mile, but you'd have to say he looked like he'd stay a bit further on that performance.

“When they've been off for a while it's just nice to see them come back and put in a big show. Even if it's not the strongest maiden in the world, to win by nine lengths is very impressive visually.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson