Islandsinthestream (pink) is ridden out by Declan McDonogh© Photo Healy Racing
Islandsinthestream came from last to first to land the opener at the Curragh this evening, the Holden Plant Rentals Irish EBF 2yo Maiden.
Bought for E135,000 as a yearling, the Joseph O'Brien-trained Wootton Bassett colt has a mostly Australian pedigree and was sent off an easy-to-back 9/1 chance under Declan McDonogh.
A bit slow into stride, he raced in rear, making headway when pushed along on the outer from the two-furlong pole.
He swept through to lead just inside the final furlong, keeping on well despite drifting left in the closing stages.
Successful in a barrier trial at Naas last month, the well-backed School Of Law (5/2jf from 14s early) was a length back in second under Billy Lee for Michael O'Callaghan, while Portland (5/2jf) was another half-a-length away in third.
Market leaders in early shows, Diego Velazquez (allergy) and Instant Appeal (nasal discharge) were taken out this morning.
"Declan rode him in a few bits of work at home and he's quite a laidback horse. We thought this would be a lovely starting point for him and didn't expect him to go and win," O'Brien revealed.
"Dec was very impressed with him. He really got the hang of things late and was green when he hit the front but is smart.
"We thought if he ran into a place that he would be hard to beat here in a month's time.
"He'll probably be making his way into a Tyros or a Futurity on his next start.
"Historically this has been a good maiden and it looked like it again with the pedigrees on show."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Following a request from broadcasters, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for a two minute delay to this race
G.M. Ryan, rider of Huxley trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was impeded several times after the three furlong mark.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident approximately two and a half furlongs out involving Chandigah ridden by C.D. Hayes, unplaced, Huxley, ridden by G.M. Ryan, unplaced, and Meriwether Lewis (USA), ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed fifth, where it appeared Huxley ran short of room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Chandigah, ridden by C.D. Hayes, Chicago Fireball ridden by B.M. Coen, Portland, ridden by R.L. Moore, and Huxley, ridden by G.M. Ryan where it appeared Chandigah received a bump. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C. D. Hayes stated that his mount was green and intimidated but he was not sure if there had been contact. B. M. Coen stated that he went for a gap and his mount shied away from the horse on his outer causing him the shift in and make contact with the horse on his inner. G. M. Ryan stated that he took a check when the horse on his outside got a bump. R. L. Moore stated that he maintained his line but his mount was green. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Mr. John Murphy did not attend this enquiry.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
