Schubert off-key, Lynam & Lee take advantage

The Eddie Lynam trained Midnight Crossing landed a dramatic Leopardstown Summer Music & Racing Festival Maiden at Leopardstown today, scoring readily under Bill Lee. Schubert under Donnacha O’Brien, held a clear lead until jinking, seemingly away from the whip, against the running rail with a furlong to race. The pair did regain their balance and stay in the race but lost all chance as Midnight Crossing swept past and went on to record a seven lengths win over Time To Reason with half a length and a head back to Schubert in fourth.

In truth Midnight Crossing had appeared to be travelling with a winning run as Schubert jinked and in the end ran out a worthy winner.

Lynam later stated “one horse (Schubert) collided with the rail but I don't know if he would have won or not. Billy (Lee) said she came home strongly and he was happy with her.

“I don't know what happened her the last day - I couldn't find an excuse. I did what I don't usually do and put a pair of blinkers on a filly - some clever trainers do it so I said I'd give it a try!

“She's back to herself now and thankfully last time was a blip.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson