Iron Blue mighty in Gowran Park

Iron Blue readily delivered in Gowran Park's seven-furlong handicap for three-year-olds at 14/1.

The filly travelled sweetly for Chris Hayes in fifth rounding the home turn and got a lovely run up the inner to move into contention passing the two marker.

She collared Piper Bomb on the run to the final furlong and asserted in the final 200 yards for a decisive victory by two and three quarter lengths. Phoenix Lightning (14/1) kept on for a never nearer runner-up finish. He came in three lengths ahead of 7/1 chance Piper Bomb.

Trainer Kevin Prendergast said: “We haven’t run too many because we had a bit of a bug around the place. She came back from Dundalk and was fairly sick. We thought she would win in Dundalk but she ran terrible.

“That’s her grade and she might win another one if he (the handicapper) is not too hard on her. She handles the ground and I think most of those by Raven's Pass handle it. Very happy to get a bracket with her.”

This was Iron Blue's fifth career start and first success.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee