Convergence (Colin Keane) beats War Envoy (Ryan Moore) and Wychwood Warrior (Shane Foley, inner)© Photo Healy Racing
Ryan Moore's maiden voyage on the polytrack at Dundalk, didn't end the way he, or indeed backers of his mount, 11/8 shot, War Envoy would have liked, as Ger Lyons' Convergence (8/1) upstaged him in the Listed Patton Stakes.
Once Colin Keane and Convergence hit the front a furlong and a half out, it was apparent that the determined combination wouldn't be easily passed.
They did edge a little into the path of War Envoy in the final furlong, but Convergence was a more than worthy winner at the death-by a length. Wychwood Warrior was three parts of a length off them in third, whilst there was a break of six lengths back to Intense Style with second favourite Rapid Applause a further half a length off in fifth.
"It's a good start to the year for the little horse. He was the only horse I had ready for the race and it would be a shame not to have a runner," said Lyons.
"He's a good honest horse and he came on well over the winter. He's won two Listed races now and hopefully he can grow into something like the Ballycorus.
"I'll keep him to seven or a mile for the moment. He's still in the Irish Guineas but that's a huge jump from here to there.
"We have the Jersey and races like that, there are plenty of options.
"I thought last year he'd want ten furlongs, but on what he showed tonight we'll keep him to seven and a mile for the moment.
"I'm glad we didn't turn him during the winter. We had plenty of offers but Vincent (Gaul, owner) needs a good horse like him."
L.F. Roche, rider of Sparklingsovereign (GB) trained by S. Donohoe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran too free during this race.
M.D. O'Callaghan, trainer of Rapid Applause (GB), reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge scoped abnormally post race.
(GC & EM)
