Madrid and Donnacha O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Madrid swooped inside the final furlong to run out a cosy winner of the three-year-old plus mile maiden at Thurles, completing a clean sweep of the first three races for Ballydoyle.
The previous two winners this afternoon had made most of the running but Donnacha O'Brien had to settle mid-division on Madrid as he was niggled along to go the early pace.
The Galileo colt found his feet in the straight, however, and started to make progress from the two marker.
O'Brien drove the 11/8 favourite into the lead inside the final 150 yards and he was soon well on top, easing down close home for a three-and-a-half length success over Swiss Cottage
The winner was taking a significant drop in trip today having been fourth in a mile-and-a-half handicap at Leopardstown five days ago.
“They went flat to the boards up front and I took my time with him and he finished off well,” said Donnacha O'Brien.
"He travelled ok and I just gave him a chance."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
