Motherway wins Curragh finale

Irish Grand National winning trainer James Motherway recorded his first Flat winner when his Authorization landed the concluding Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show Maiden at The Curragh today.

Ridden by Pat Smullen, the son of Authorised made virtually all but needed all of the former Champion Jockey's strength (and a fair share of ability from the colt) to defy a bad drift across the track to the stands' side throughout the final furlong. Newcomer Power To Please got to within half a length of the winner at the line but the margin was not a reflection on Authorization's superiority.

Two to five favourite Ebazan never threatened in the race, was under pressure a long way out and eventually finishing a well beaten fourth.

Motherway, who sent Blueasea Cracker to win the 2010 Irish Grand National, later reported “Authorization is a smashing colt and showed us plenty of raw ability on his debut at Cork last year.

“He had a little blip in the spring and we had to wait to get him right - I thought he still wasn't 100% right coming here today and he'll come on from that run.

“Pat (Smullen) said he left the gates well and left him go to the front rather than disappoint him. He has been a bit coltish of late and probably needs to be gelded.

“Its nice to get a winner at the Curragh – I've had a few dual purpose horses but that's my first flat winner and he's my first proper Flat horse.”

The winner carried the colours of Mrs Claire Gleeson, wife of RTE racing presenter Brian Gleeson.