No party like The Marty Party

Caught close home when second on handicap debut at Killarney last month, The Marty Party (3/1) went one better in the first division of the Grant Thornton Nursery.

The Starspangledbanner colt worked his way through the field from mid-division to go fourth a furlong out. He picked up well under Dylan Browne McMonagle to head Midnight Stagger bidding to give trainer Jack Davison a treble on the card, in the closing stages for a half-length verdict.

GAA commentator Marty Morrissey, part of the Marty Party Syndicate, had been present at Killarney but was not in attendance on this occasion.

Sean Corby, representing winning trainer Joseph O'Brien, said: "Dylan planned to be a lot handier but, just as the gates opened, he said he just kind of reared and he ended up missing the kick.

"He did well to win from there. In fairness, he picked up well and he only got out late as well so he did quite well to win.

"Hopefully, he can keep progressing now.

"Early on he was well liked at home. It didn't happen for him, but he's a big horse and maybe it has just taken him that bit of time. He has strengthened up now.

"Hopefully, onwards and upwards."

Quotes from Michael Graham