Review CURRAGH 27TH JUN

Grey Swallow proved the stamina doubters wrong when heading the odds-on favourite North Light inside the final furlong to land the Budweiser Irish Derby.

The grey son of Daylami was always travelling well under Pat Smullen, and stayed on strongly after striking the front to beat the 8/11 favourite by 1/2L with Tycoon 1 1/2L back in third.

'Pat gave him the most amazing ride. He did a fantastic bit of work earlier this week, although he would have loved a bit of juice in the ground,' said trainer Dermot Weld.

He added, 'This gave me a bigger thrill than my previous Derby winner (Zagreb) because he is bred by my mother, who is also a part-owner. We will give him a break now and go for the Arc.'

Smullen was recording his first success in the race, and said, 'This means so much as it is in front of our own crowd. He is a true champion, and we have already see that as a two-year-old.'

'We knew he had the speed, it was just a matter of getting the trip. He lasted it out really well,' added a delighted Smullen.

Democratic Deficit upset the odds-on Russian Blue in the Group 2 Railway Stakes, leading inside the final furlong and stayed on well to hold off the 1/2 chance by 3/4L.

The result was confirmed after a stewards enquiry into possible interference involving the winner, L'Altro Mondo (third), Kay Two (fourth) and fifth placed Joyce.

This was trainer Jim Bolger's sixth time to win the Railway Stakes, and the National Stakes is the main aim this season.

Bolger and Kevin Manning also combined to take the opening mile handicap with Tropical Lady, who stayed on strongly from the furlong pole to beat Senators Alibi by 3L.

The Coolcullen trainer will now look for some black type with his improving filly, with the Brownstown Stakes at Leopardstown next Saturday and the Meld Stakes possible targets.

Osterhase showed great speed throughout in the Listed sprint, and stretched clear under Fran Berry for a four lengths victory over Moon Unit in a new course record time of 57.37secs.

'Hopefully he will go for the Kings Stand Stakes at the Royal meeting in York next year. He was second in this race last year, and is a hyper horse who takes a bit of knowing,' said trainer John Mulhern.

Grand Passion (John Egan) landed the other Listed mile race, where Latino Magic was denied a clear run on the rail in third.

Ulfah made all in the Scurry Handicap to supply Padraig Beggy with his 12th career win, although close up third Desert Fantasy can be considered a bit unlucky.

Gemini Guest overcame an eight months lay-off to take the two miles handicap, leading over a furlong out for Declan McDonogh before holding off Lorikeet by a head.

The attendance of 30,381 was down just under 800 on last year's record figure.

Alan Magee