Joseph O'Brien after winning on Falkirk © Photo Healy Racing
Backers of short-priced Falkirk had more than a few moments of concern as the three-year-old colt was off the bridle over four furlongs out before coming through to win the mile and a quarter maiden at Ballinrobe.
The 5/4 favourite, with Joseph O’Brien in the plate, tracked Pat Smullen and Pirate Cove throughout. O’Brien started to push him to get closer with over half a mile to go and the colt was soon ridden to mount his challenge.
He looked to be toiling, but a furlong and a half out made his move to the front and grabbed the rail. Smullen was forced to snatch up on Pirate Cove as they were relegated to second. Falkirk kept on well to record a length and a half success from Dancingwithangels (5/1) who was the only other horse able to go with the front two. He stayed on to beat Pirate Cove (7/4) into third by the same margin.
Joseph O’Brien said: “He raced quite green and raw and a little bit silly. He was a bit disappointing in Galway but it probably stretched him. He had two okay runs before that and it is nice to win a maiden with him.
“The new part of the track rode nicely. Obviously my horse was a bit raw, but the bit of rain made it nice safe ground.”
A visor was tried on Falkirk this evening by trainer Aidan O'Brien.
Tonight was the first time there has been flat racing at Ballinrobe since track alterations took place.
The Stewards enquired into an incident on the final bend before the finish involving Pirate Cove, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed third and Falkirk, ridden by J.P. O'Brien, placed first, where it appeared that Pirate Cove received a severe check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by J.P. O'Brien riding carelessly and consequently suspended him for one race-day having taken his previous record into consideration.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
