James Ryan shines on McCourt's Eastern Wind

The three-year-old handicap over a mile saw the nicely-supported Eastern Wind make all the running in the hands of 7lb claimer James Ryan.

Returned at 5/1 having touched 8/1 in early shows, Ryan judged things well on the front end and the daughter of Farhh had all of her rivals under pressure racing to the final furlong. Chaos Control and Mudamer threw down strong late challenges but the Tom McCourt-trained winner was game in front and, assisted by first-time cheekpieces, held on to thwart that pair by a neck and a nose.

It was a second victory for Eastern Wind who had landed a maiden at Limerick at two.

“She's very gutsy. I said to James to make as much use of her as he could, to give her a little breather at the end of the back straight and then just keep stretching away. He gave her a good ride,” said McCourt.

“She has to be in front, she's a funny filly, if she's in behind she's not that happy. She loves being out in front and battles away.

“The plan is to go to the Curragh for a €50,000 mile handicap. We might as well have a go at it.

“James is a great young man and it's great to have him. If he gets the chance he'll do very well.

“He can do 8-4, he's fairly determined and is looking after his weight.”

Quotes from Gary Carson