Kings pleases Halford with his win

We had a second winning favourite in as many races at Roscommon as the Shane Foley-partnered Kings Ryker (11/4 into 9/4) prevailed in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden.

Not many really got into this seven furlong contest and in the end Kings Ryker got the better of the pace-setter, Red All Star by two and a half lengths.

Jessica Harrington supplied the first winner in Jack Naylor and her representative here, first-timer, Elusive Laurence caught the eye with her effort in third.

There was no less than four and a quarter lengths back to Mistiness in fourth.

Winning trainer Michael Halford explained: "On the way down if we'd have had a choice of three to come out (non-runners Danish Duke, Rightway and Texas Rock) they would have been the three.

"That being said he did things well today. His two-year-old form worked out really well and he just ran very fresh at the Curragh (last time when fifth) and paid the price and got a bit tired.

"It was nice for him now today and we'll see what the handicapper does with him from there.

"I think he'd have no bother stepping back up to a mile and we just wanted him to settle today and he did that.

"He's fine at home but when he gets to the races he's a bit fresh. He'll relax better with racing.

"His owner is from Singapore and it's his first horse with us so it's nice to win with him.

"I was introduced to him (Eric Koh) through Michael Donohoe (BBA) when I was out in Singapore with Invincible Ash."

F.M. Berry, rider of Elusive Laurence, trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran around in the final furlong and may have been feeling the ground.

(DM & EM)