Lion roars to impressive win on debut

The Lion In Winter swept by the market principals inside the final 100 yards, impressively taking the Juddmonte Chaldean Irish EBF Maiden on debut.

Out of a half-sister to dual Group 3 winner Venus De Milo, the successful son of Sea The Stars was bought for E375,000 from the Castlebridge Consignment at the Goffs Orby Sale last September.

Touching 9/1 in early shows, the Aidan O'Brien-trained bay eventually went off an 11/2 chance under Wayne Lordan and was settled in mid-division on the outer.

Ridden and improving into third over a furlong from home, he found plenty for pressure in the closing stages and eventually came home two-and-a-quarter lengths to the good.

Returned at 7/4 and the 5/4 favourite respectively, Currawood and Ides Of March disputed the lead from early but ultimately couldn't cope with the winner and had to settle for second and third respectively.

Paddy Twomey was responsible for the runner-up, with the market leader, who is a stable companion of the winner, the mount of Ryan Moore.

"He's been working lovely and you would have to be very happy with him. He has plenty of class and would have no trouble going up in trip," O'Brien reflected.

"He was a bit green but finished out very well and looks a quality colt.

"Ryan said his horse is more fast than stamina so he might go back in trip.

"They said the ground is just on the slow side of good."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee