Isambard Brunel makes it third time lucky under Lordan

Fifth on both previous career starts, the Aidan O'Brien trained Isambard Brunel opened his account in impressive fashion when easily winning the Navan Racecourse Welcomes Our Local Community Maiden.

Prominent from stalls, the well supported 1/2f led after a furlong, with Wayne Lordan setting steady fractions out in front. Red King briefly looked a threat over two furlongs out, as Andy Oliver's colt travelled nicely in the leaders slipstream.

However, once Lordan push the button over a furlong from home, the twice raced son of Justify lengthened impressively to put three-and-a-half lengths between himself and the runner-up.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: "He's had the two nice runs, both in England just by chance the way it worked out.

"He's a horse with plenty to look forward to for next year.

"He appreciates the better ground. He did it nicely and he will have no problem stepping up in class.

"If the ground was still nice in another couple of weeks, he could look at one of those Group races or he will be a horse to look forward to for next year."

When asked about the Group 1 Futurity Trophy Stakes over a mile at Doncaster, he replied: "The trip would be bang up his street and he'll have the class to go into it. It'll just be down to ground.

"He can go with an ease in the ground but, to go into a race like that there, he would prefer better ground.

"He's a typical Justify - plenty of size and strength and a very good mover."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.