Weld strikes again in first day 2-y-o maiden

Dermot Weld has dominated the opening day 2-y-o maiden for many a year and was on the mark in it again when Blue For You (8/1) took the Claregalwayhotel.ie EBF Maiden.

Oisin Orr slotted in behind the leaders on the rail on the New Approach colt before angling out for a run before the turn for home.

His mount picked up best in the straight to beat the 6/5 favourite Wembley by three quarters of a length and give the winning trainer a remarkable 24th win in this particular contest, usually run as the third race on a mixed card on the opening day of the Festival. Rebel Step was third, and the fourth home Trusted Ally was unfortunate to be stopped in his run over a furlong out.

The winner’s dam Love In The Sun, from a great old Moyglare family, won twice on heavy ground and her son semed to enjoy the soft terrain here as he improved a nice bit from his debut sixth at Leopardstown.

Wining trainer Dermot Weld’s son and assistant Kris Weld said: "We hoped he'd run well but obviously others appeared to be in better form coming into the race.

"He had to improve from his first run but we were optimistic he'd handle the ground when the rain came as his dam won in Cork the same day Harzand won his maiden and the ground was very soft.

"It did look unlikely in the dip and he is still a big raw horse. He toughed it out well and has shown a good attitude and hopefully he'll be up to Stakes level.

"Dad stayed away but might appear at some stage during the week, maybe tomorrow."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes