Mazyad shows plenty on debut at Ballinrobe

Galway bumper winner This Songisforyou was all the rage for the bumper in Ballinrobe, but he was gunned down by 14/1 newcomer Mazyad

The well backed 8/15 favourite looked for all money that he would strike as he travelled strongly in the lead a couple of lengths in front of Mazyad approaching the home bend.

John Gleeson soon asked Mazyad for maximum effort and his mount picked up the chase inside the final furlong. The pair stayed on strongly in the closing stages to collar and beat This Songisforyou close home by half a length. Art Of Silence was five lengths back in third at 12/1.

Gleeson said: "He's a very well-bred horse and we were lucky to pick him up at Goffs in the spring.

"We thought whatever he'd do today he'd come on a lot for the run and I thought he was very impressive. It looked a good winners' bumper on paper and I think he beat some nice horses. He only really started to learn his job in the last furlong.

"Martin (Fitzgerald, trainer) has done a brilliant job with him. He might have taken a small bit more time than we expected but he was worth it. He's a fine strong four-year-old."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan