Ponfeigh in boost for Ebanoran's Derby bid

Ponfeigh did his bit for Ebanoran's Derby prospects, giving that one's trainer and jockey, John Oxx and Declan McDonogh a winner on the eve of the Epsom highlight, in the RSM Farrell Grant Sparks Maiden at Leopardstown.

It didn't stop there though as Ponfeigh had run behind Ebanoran at the Curragh last backend when third to his stable companion in a maiden.

Here defeat wasn't countenanced as the Thomas Barr-owned grey was sent off an 8/11 chance.

However not many had bargained on Dermot Weld's newcomer Comtesse (14/1) doing so well on her debut and she made Ponfeigh work, only going down by a neck after a good battle.

Oxx reflected: "He had the form to win. He was ready to go earlier in the season but he had a little setback.

"He blew up a bit about a furlong out and the second filly stuck to him well.

"I'm sure he'll stretch out a bit in distance." (AM & EM)