Grigio produces commanding performance

Commander Grigio powered away in the closing stages to run out an impressive winner of the opening Tally Ho Stud Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh.

Chris Hayes was always prominent on the 10/3 shot as he battled with 2/1 favourite Brick By Brick for the lead in the six furlong contest.

The Fozzy Stack-trained colt forged on inside the final furlong and went on to post a three-and-a-half length winning margin. Bachelor stayed on to edged the runner-up spot from another finisher in Port Lions

Commander Grigio was fourth on his debut in a hot auction maiden at the venue two weeks ago when he didn't enjoy the clearest passage.

“He won well. Chris was kicking himself the last time because he said he couldn't really get out on him,” said Stack.

“He won well today and he's been working well at home. The owners might want to go to Ascot but I'll try and persuade them to come back here for the Railway.

“He's a smart horse and that's only his third time on grass.

“He had a lot of weight in that auction race the other day. Ger Lyons' horse (Would Be King) who was a length in front and finished second in the Marble Hill, he was given that 4lb. Grassick's horse (Verhoyen) that was second in the Listed race the other day he was giving him 10lb.

“On pedigree he should get further as it's kind of a staying family. He's from the same family as Salsabil and his grand-mother was placed in the Guineas.

“I don't think he wants it bottomless and fast ground here the last time didn't really bother him. Chris thought he'd be better on fast ground - I hope he's right.”

Chris Hayes said:- "I gave him a very ordinary ride the last day. He got boxed in but stayed on into fourth. Today was not a surprise and he'll improve a hell of a lot from it again.

"He's a very straight forward horse and I was probably a bit over confident on him the last day. I kept it simple today."

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)