More summer time joy for Cliffs

It was pretty appropriate as a son of triple Royal Ascot winner and now first-season sire, Canford Cliffs, that Painted Cliffs (9/4) would score at Leopardstown tonight, landing the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden under Donnacha O'Brien (7Ib claim now reduced to five).

The Ballydoyle colt, blinkered after a debut eighth placing at the Curragh on 1,000 Guineas Day, saw out the six furlong trip well to defeat Sikandarabad by a length and a quarter.

Favourite Mint Chai failed by some way to come up to expectations in last place.

"That's it gone now (the seven pound claim) and it should make the weight a bit easier - 2Ibs down - it's nice," reflected O'Brien.

"I thought he had a good squeak. He was very green on his debut. He loved the quick ground and he has plenty of pace. He was professional today with the blinkers on him.

"It's beautiful good ground - it felt lovely on him anyway."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Mint Chai, trained by G.M.Lyons, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

(GC & EM)