Weld and Smullen double up with Aydoun

Aydoun justified strong support in the mile-and-a-half maiden at Listowel when making an impressive winning debut.

It was a double on the card for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen following the opening race success of Araqeel

The Aga Khan's newcomer was available at 7/2 this morning but went to post the 11/10 favourite for his first start.

Smullen sent him straight into the lead and he had the field struggling turning for home. The Mastercraftsman gelding was asked to stretch clear passing the two pole and could afford to ease down inside the final furlong for a four-and-three-quarter length victory. Burning Sword who had given chase throughout just held the challenge of Rathmuck Native by a short-head to secure the runner-up spot.

"he is an idle sort of horse at home but is a fair galloper and galloped them into the ground,” said Smullen.

"He is a good strong staying horse and it was a good performance first time out around here. He's a bit deceiving at home as he is so laid back but is a horse I like.

"He kept increasing it (the pace) every furlong and did it like a nice horse."

Mark Weld added:- "He is a horse that we've always had time for and is a typical late developing Aga Khan bred horse.

“Last year you just had to stand back and give him space and you can see there he is a fine horse and is going the right way.

“We're going to find a winners' race for him next and we'll see where we go from there."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)