Serious Contender (Wayne Lordan, purple and white) just edge out Kilcrea Rock (Dylan Browne McMonagle)© Photo Healy Racing
Ballydoyle and Wayne Lordan doubled-up in race two at Leopardstown as Serious Contender showed an excellent attitude to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden.
When Kilcrea Rock just headed the victorious Wootton Bassett colt inside the final furlong the even money favourite looked in trouble.
To his credit though he fought back to edge out Kilcrea Rock by half a length, with three lengths back to the big eye-catcher, Woodshaw Whisper in third.
On behalf of successful connections Chris Armstrong said afterwards:- “Even with the two runs under his belt Wayne felt he was very babyish. It's a good sign that there's plenty left in there.
“He's a horse that stays very well and he'd be one to bring back for a Derby trial but you wouldn't be surprised if he even stepped up a bit further and would be a lovely staying horse for next year.
“It's grand to get a win under his belt at two and the three runs will help him. It's a good sign that Wayne felt he's still very raw and hopefully he'll step up as a three-year-old.”
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident inside the final furlong involving Kilcrea Rock, ridden by D. McMonagle, placed second, and Serious Contender, ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed first, where it appeared the two horses came close together. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
J.A. Heffernan, rider of The Angelic Doctor (GB), trained by Brendan W.Duke, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount put its back up in the parade ring when mounted and he instructed the handler to cross the bottom of the parade ring in order to exit quickly in the interest of safety. Having considered the report, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
(GC & EM)
