Land makes all in Curragh opener

Land Force got off the mark in the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Third on debut at Naas last month, the son of No Nay Never opened on-course at 9/10 before drifting out to 11/10 at the off.

The market leader was sent straight to the front by Donnacha O'Brien, and was ridden to extend his advantage inside the final furlong, going on to score comfortably by two and a quarter lengths.

Newcomer Vocatus (8/1) finished second under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger, while the well-supported Wargrave was a head back in third.

Available at 7/1 in early shows, that Fozzy Stack trained colt opened on-course at 9/4 before going off a 13/8 chance under Chris Hayes.

"He came forward lovely from his first run. We were a bit worried about the heavy ground over six furlongs but he came forward lovely," said O'Brien.

"Donnacha was very happy with him. He's a hardy horse, and is going to take racing, so he could come back here for the Marble Hill.

"You'd be delighted with him."

The winner, who was bought for E350,000 as a yearling, is out of Group 3 winner Theann.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson