River Derwent leaves it late on Irish debut

Favourite backers were cruelly denied in the final stride as River Derwent came from a seemingly impossible position to snatch the spoils in the Foxrock Maiden at Leopardstown.

The 6/4 favourite Mutasarref was sent to the front about a furlong out and looked sure to score when quickening over two lengths clear 100 yards out.

However, Colin Keane’s mount was desperately looking for the line in the closing stages and was nabbed right at the post by the fast-finishing River Derwent.

Shane Crosse ’s mount, who showed some promise in two outings last backend for David Simcock and was reappearing after an eight month’s absence, came from fourth 100 yards out to get the verdict by a nose at odds of 7/2. Captain Middleton was a further length and a half back in third.

Winning trainer Joseph O’Brien was represented by his assistant Brendan Powell who said, “It was a nice performance. He’d run twice on the all-weather in England and I think Joseph just said to Shane to drop him in the middle and ride him to be coming home.

“He came home lovely and is a good-looking horse. I think when he goes up to a mile and a quarter he could be even better. He’ll improve tonnes for that.”