Dr Funkenstein (outside) is driven out by Gary Carroll to beat One True Love© Photo Healy Racing
All the money prior to the 100 to 102 Today FM Maiden came for Dr Funkenstein and the Ger Lyons trained gelding justified market support as he got off the mark on the second attempt.
The Sean Jones owned son of Excellent Art, caught many peoples eye when he kept on strongly on his debut at Gowran, finishing third behind Flashy Approach.
Having opened at 11/4 this morning with Paddy Power, he opened on track at just 7/4 before going off the 6/4 clear favourite. One True Love attempted to make all under Joseph O’Brien for his father Aidan, but she couldn’t hold off the winner, as he hit the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by a length and three parts.
The aforementioned Ballydoyle horse had to settle for second, while Jayed Jidan was a nose behind in third under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld at 5/1.
Ger Lyons said afterwards: "He’ll be a real horse in six months time. He is a lovely big horse and he needs every yard of that trip.
"I earmarked him for Richard Gibson (Hong Kong based trainer) from an early stage. I’ve a good reputation with him and I want to continue that."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
