Great Explorer sees it out from Arch Pearl and Cin Cin at Fairyhouse© Photo Healy Racing
He certainly gave the impression that he wasn't over exerting himself but what 11/8 favourite Great Explorer did find for Joseph O'Brien (doubling his score having won on Three Bells earlier), was enough to take the finale at Fairyhouse, the Blanchardstown Maiden.
Great Explorer's rival Arch Pearl probably did too much too early, on the pace, for Emmet McNamara. He travelled best into the straight but Great Explorer was soon making the best of his way home.
Try as they might, the opposition just couldn't find a way past the market-leader in the closing stages and he eventually accounted for Arch Pearl and Magnolia Ridge by half a length and the same. Less than three lengths covered the first six home.
O'Brien said of the Galileo colt, trained by his father Aidan: "He's still very green and hopefully will improve with racing." (AM & EM)
