Light Heavy shows battling spirit

Light Heavy showed his battling qualities under Kevin Manning when edging out Ballydoyle’s second-string Tower Rock by a neck in the Group 2 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes over a mile and a quarter at Leopardstown.

It looked as though Jim Bolger’s representative would win well when he took up the lead from Tower Rock two furlongs out, but the latter fought back well to lead again and was only just outgunned at the post.

Jim Bolger confirmed that his charge didn’t like the ground today. He said: “He managed to get there despite not liking the ground. He’s not the same horse on that ground.

“He’s a top horse with a will to win and lots of ability. He’s not going to Epsom. I’m hoping for decent ground at the Curragh for the Irish Derby.”

Light Heavy was a market drifter on course from 11/8 to an SP of 15/8.

Bolger also confirmed that his Parish Hall will go for the Irish 2,000 Guineas. “He definitely does not handle soft ground but he could go to Epsom after the Irish Guineas,” the trainer said. Wrote the Ballydoyle first-string with Ryan Moore on board, was heavily backed in the ring for the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes from 10/11 to 8/13, but disappointed back in third, beaten seven and a half lengths. He could make no impression from two furlongs out.

Michael Graham