Kortez Bay and Robbie Colgan are greeted by winning owner John Lavery © Photo Healy Racing
The 5/4 favourite Kortez Bay gained reward for his consistency when running out a decisive winner of the CPAC Modular Maiden in the hands of Robbie Colgan.
Placed in all three previous outings this season, the New Bay colt tracked the leaders and was pushed along to challenge two furlongs out.
Ridden to lead over a furlong out, he stretched clear to beat Shamsuddin by four and a quarter lengths.
"I'm delighted, I've always loved him,” said Sheila Lavery who trains the winner for Joanne and John Lavery.
“I was surprised I was able to buy him because he's a half-brother to Lady Kaya (runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas for Lavery). I met (breeder) John O'Connor and I laughed and said to him there's not a chance I'm going to able to buy a New Bay out of Kayak.
“He said he wouldn't be anyone's cup of tea but when I saw him all I could see was athlete. He was a raw horse.
“I feel that's a bit of a monkey off my back getting him to win but he's actually needed all the time. He's just strengthened and strengthened mentally.
“Robbie said he loved that ground. I don't know how much he'll go up, or if he'd get in, but I'm going to put him in the Jersey. If he gets in brilliant, if not it's no biggy and we'll find something else.
“It might have been stupid running him at two but he learned.
“I think the way he's hitting the line, now that he's strengthened up, he'll get a mile but at the moment we'll keep him at seven as he's relaxing through his races beautifully.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
