London Royal reigns at Cork for the Walshs

London Royal (2/1, from 10/3 this morning) was in the front rank throughout when landing the Mallow Maiden by a length and a half from the 11/8 favourite Stalingrad

The gelded son of Territories disputed the lead before gaining a definite advantage under two furlongs out.

With the stands’ side rail to help him, the Ted Walsh-trained winner, who was sixth over a furlong shorter on his debut at this venue last month, kept on well to give Carroll a sixteenth victory of the campaign.

He was retained by owner Katie O'Sullivan (nee Walsh) having been consigned as a 'breezer' last year under her Greenhills Farm banner.

The winning owner explained: "I bought him as a yearling to go to the breeze-ups and he went to the French Arqana Breeze-Ups run in Doncaster last year. However he pulled a muscle in the breeze and I couldn't sell him and I brought him home.

"We always loved him, he has a great attitude, is very professional and he'll get further. He has a good pedigree and I bought him the same day as his half-brother Brentford Hope (by Camelot) won a maiden and he gets a mile.

"When you bring them back from the breeze-ups it is very competitive and when you come to a premier track in Cork you are hoping and wishing it all goes right, and it did. Gary (Carroll) said he ran to above 80, which is good, and he is open to improvement.

"Everything is for sale and I'm delighted for the owner, she is tricky!"

Quotes from Thomas Weekes