Impressive Trinity wins Galway opener by 12 lengths

Donning blinkers for the first time, Trinity College blitzed his nine rivals in the opener at Galway this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Ninth on debut at the Curragh in June, the Aidan O'Brien-trained bay was since beaten into fourth when sent off favourite at Leopardstown last month.

Out of Hermosa, who won her maiden at Galway before taking the Guineas at both Newmarket and the Curragh in 2019, the Dubawi colt was returned the clear market leader at 10/11 (5/4 early).

Soon in front under Wayne Lordan, he readily increased his advantage on the approach to the straight and went further clear when ridden from the furlong pole, eventually coming home 12-lengths to the good.

One of two John Nallen-trained debutants in the line-up, Minella Boss filled the runner-up spot under Gary Carroll, while the Joseph O'Brien-trained Heldtoransom (7/1 from 3s early) was three-quarters of a length away in third.

"At home he had shown plenty of ability but was just very babyish and when we put the blinkers on him at home, he seemed to come forward," stable representative Chris Armstrong explained.

"He had been lazy but is very genuine and it helped him to travel well. He had been coming on nicely at home, Wayne was very happy with him and thought he would come on well from his last run.

"He is a horse with plenty of ability, will make into a lovely middle-distance horse next year and will stay very well. After this (Irish Champions) weekend, we will see where he fits in and could be one for the Beresford or Eyrefield Stakes - he is in all those Group races.

"He is still a big baby but has the makings of a very nice horse."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes