Rock grinds out maiden win

Rock Chant was made to work late on to land the odds in the median auction maiden at Cork.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained colt was sent to post a 10/11 shot for the ten furlong contest following a decent effort to finish fourth at Limerick earlier in the month.

Shane Crosse bounced out in front on the son of Flintshire but was soon taken on for the lead by the free-running Back O' The Net

Rock Chant had the advantage at halfway and was asked to kick on passing the two pole. Up The Tempo and Premium Ticket both finished off well in the final furlong with the later pressing the winner late on as he got within half a length.

The winner had to survive a stewards enquiry after drifting left inside the final furlong and causing slight interference to the runner-up.

Crosse said afterwards:- “He is a fine looking horse and is still a bit of a frame.

“He had a nice run in Limerick the last day, he is going to be a stayer and is still quite babyish but has gone and won his maiden now.

"Hopefully he can improve and I'd say he is versatile enough ground-wise and got through heavy in Limerick the last day."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)