Straightforward for Swan in Galway opener

Swan Bay registered a straightforward success in the opener at Galway, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

A fast-finishing second on debut at the Curragh last month, the Joseph O'Brien trained bay was expected to go a place better today and was sent off the 8/13 favourite from early shows of 6/4.

Bought for 110,000 pounds as a yearling, the son of Australia raced in a share of the lead with market rival Anchorage (3/1).

He edged to the front a furlong and a half from home and extended his advantage when ridden inside the final furlong, going on to score by five lengths under Shane Crosse.

Aidan O'Brien was responsible for the second and third, with Anchorage two-and-a-half lengths in front of stable companion Sun King (13/2).

Brendan Powell, assistant trainer to Joseph O'Brien, said: "He got done for a bit of toe at the Curragh when he stayed on nicely. He has come out today and Shane got him in a nice place. Shane said he hung a little off the bend but it was only greenness.

"He carries his head a bit high but is a tall, big baby and will be a way better three-year-old. Shane said the ground is a little on the slow side and that helped him as well.

"Without a doubt he will be a stakes horse and I loved the way he pulled away at the end. He stayed very well and please God there is a nice future for him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes