Island just holds on in Fairyhouse opener

Cape Clear Island just held on to take the opener at Fairyhouse this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, scoring under Joseph O’Brien for his father Aidan.

The son of Fastnet Rock finished second on his first two starts, both of which were at the Curragh, and he was sent the well-backed 1/5 favourite (4/11 this morning and from 2/7 on-course) to make it third time luck today.

Prominent throughout he was ridden from under three furlongs out and he improved to lead a furlong and a half from home, impeding Baldonnel in the process.

He went a few lengths clear before the furlong pole, drifting left close home and while Windsor Beach came with a storming late charge he just held on to win by a nose.

The runner-up was returned at 33/1 under Niall McCullagh for Johnny Murtagh, while newcomer Looper (16/1) ran well to finish just three parts of a length back in third under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He just got beaten at the Curragh but the winner (Accepted) went on to win a Listed race at Tipperary yesterday and he is entitled to go up in class now.

"I think he is better than what he has showed so far. I got there too soon today and if I had to do it again I’d have got there later. I think he can progress."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Cape Clear Island, ridden by J.P. O'Brien, placed first, Cape Wolfe (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fourth and Windsor Beach, ridden by N.G. McCullagh, placed second, where it appeared Cape Wolfe (GB) ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.

P.J. Smullen, rider of Baldonnel (USA), trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount met with interference in the straight.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee