Giustino back at Leopardstown and back on the winning trail

A beaten favourite at Leopardstown four weeks ago Giustino returned to the Foxrock venue to land the Ballsbridge Handicap for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle.

An apparent handicap ‘good thing’ when just edged out last time, the three-year-old was pretty quickly back in the fray after a Listowel win on that occasion.

A little break from the racecourse clearly did the successful Free Eagle gelding no harm at all, and at odds of 7/2 joint favourite he upstaged front-runner Kosman by a length and a half.

O’Brien’s stable representative Brendan Powell said: “He wanted to be positive but they went quick. The girl (Sarah Verling on Kosman) did nothing wrong and he's a fair old horse to be aiming at and a good old yardstick.

“I think the drop back in trip suited him today. He's not that slow, he's got speed. Dylan said he travelled lovely and got there right on time, it was a lovely ride.

“He's got his head back in front now after getting put up plenty. He's a tough horse and we'll go on from here and see what happens.

“He's a genuine horse, he tries, the last time here he got headed and battled back again but I just think the trip caught him out then in a true run race. Maybe he is a mile horse.”

The Stewards interviewed C.D. Hayes, nominated rider for Sod's Law in relation to him not presenting to weigh out for his intended mount. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he had left in time but got a puncture which delayed him. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action other than to remind C. D. Hayes of his responsibilities in this regard.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Valhalla's Dream trained by Anthony Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran keen early on.

(GC & EM)