Leitir Mor (nearest) just holds Cougar Ridge© Photo Healy Racing
Leitir Mor bounced back to his best to open his account in the Go And Go Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh.
Jim Bolger's charge had produced some good efforts in defeat in pattern company this season but had also frustratingly failed to pick up a maiden.
The Holy Roman Emperor colt was turned over when a short price at Dundalk last time but got it right at the tenth attempt in the Group 3 contest.
Kevin Manning produced the 11/1 shot (backed from 20/1 in morning) to lead a furlong from home but he was clinging on at the death. Cougar Ridge flew home inside the final furlong and just failed to peg back the winner by a short-head.
8/13 favourite George Vancouver proved a major disappointment as he never got involved in sixth.
The winner had been runner-up in Group One company in the Phoenix Stakes here last month but had also six unsuccessful maiden runs.
Trainer Jim Bolger missed the victory as he was at Croke Park to see the hurling final. Travelling head lad Ger Flynn said afterwards:-
"Kevin said he travelled really well today like he did in the Phoenix. It's great that he's shown on the track today what he's been showing us at home.
"There was plenty of pace and he relaxed. It just didn't happen for him at Dundalk the last day and I think he just didn't like the place."
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
