Irwin justifies favouritism for O'Brien & Crosse

Irwin just about justified 4/9 favouritism to win the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Maiden at Dundalk today, as the Joseph O'Brien trained colt scored a narrow success under Shane Crosse.

The son of Australia was third on debut at the Co Louth venue in December and while he didn't travel well today, did eventually grind out a head win over 76 rated Razdan who ran in a first-time hood and didn't look entirely straightforward.

Following the race jockey Crosse stated “he's a lovely big horse and he's very raw still.

“I was slowly away but he showed a nice attitude. He ended up being in front a long way out but was in front where it mattered.

“Once he gets to the grass I think he'll improve away. He was only having his second run and he's a huge big individual. He should learn plenty from today and step forward again.

“He's by Australia so we'd be hoping he'd get further.”

Quotes from Gary Carson