Vilman strong at business end

There were some anxious moments for backers and connections of Vilman the odds-on winner of the opening Athassel House Stud E.B.F. Maiden at Tipperary, but the Mastercraftsman colt still justified odds of 4/5 under Shane Foley.

Vilman didn't really travel for Foley but he got to the front along the rail inside the final furlong and the twice previously raced juvenile, second to Ol' Man River last time, kept at it well to see off Intense Pride by a neck with Ballydoyle newcomer Ivanovich Gorbatov a length away in third.

Michael Halford has care of Vilman for the Aga Khan and he said: "He would prefer a stiffer more galloping track and ideally more of an ease.

"He's still learning and a bit green. I wanted to run him here today so he could prove himself before running in the Eyrefield Stakes."

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Chaplin Bay ridden by C.R. King, Class Mate (GB), ridden by M.C. Hussey, Herminio (FR), ridden by G.F. Carroll, Selskar Abbey (USA), ridden by K.J. Manning and The Carbonator ridden by R.P. Whelan, where it appeared interference occured. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion M.C. Hussey was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having taken his record into account, they cautioned him accordingly.

(TW & EM)