Riyazan wins well on debut

The easy to back Riyazan sprang a 25/1 surprise in the opener at the Curragh, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

The Mick Halford trained newcomer was settled behind the leaders by Pat Smullen, and was second with two furlongs left to race.

He was ridden to lead inside the final furlong, and stayed on strongly to score by three and three parts of a length.

The 4/5 favourite Nelson finished second under Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan, while Halford also saddled the third, and that was Yulong Warrior (6s to 9/2 on-course) who was another half a length away under Shane Foley.

Michael Halford said afterwards: "We liked him early in the year but he was just a bit fizzy and we took our time with him. Typical of one of ours, we thought he might need the run first time up and hadn't got him overcooked but he's improved coming to the races.

"We had him at Naas recently for a bit of work on the grass and he did it well and came forward from it. Pat liked him and said he always travelled and quickened up good. He's still very green and had a good look at everything, so he should improve plenty for the run. He could be a smart horse.

"He has no fancy entries but we can always make them for him!

"Our other horse (third) has good solid form and we put cheek-pieces on him today and let him go along in front. Shane said he picked up well all the way for him."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee