Zilbiyr grinds it out in Wexford

Zilbiyr saw out Wexford's mile and three well to seal victory in the auction maiden race for three-year-olds.

He raced out the back but began to creep closer in fourth inside the final three furlongs. The Holy Roman Emperor colt then grabbed third at the two pole but still had plenty on his plate.

He stayed on steadily and in the last furlong he wore down Monocle and was kept up to his work by Gary Halpin to win by three quarters of a length at 5/1.

The runner-up was a nicely backed 7/2 chance from 5/1. Kubali was very popular this morning and was supported down to even money on the off. However, he weakened in the final half a mile and trailed in last of the seven runners. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Kubali, at the request of the Stewards, and reported the animal to be post race normal, having lost a right hind shoe.

He got there in the end!” handler John Feane said.

“The first day he was second he met a good one of Harrington's and against the O'Brien horse we rode him all wrong.

“The last day they sprinted and that didn't suit him as he wants a good gallop. He was on his head the whole way today but stuck at it.

“I'm glad he's won and he'll be okay with a pair of blinkers. He was very leery there and pricked his ears the whole way up the straight. He also jumped the road.

“He'll be better with a good gallop on a better track and a pair of blinds will also bring about improvement.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson