Fort Myers and Donnacha O'Brien pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The regally-bred Fort Myers made the perfect start to his career, as he took the opener at Dundalk this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Out of 2014 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Marvellous, the War Front colt is closely related to Gleneagles and Happily.
Sent off a clear favourite at 1/2, the Aidan O'Brien trained bay raced in a close second, before improving to dispute the lead from early in the straight.
He was ridden by Donnacha O'Brien from the two furlong pole and edged to the front inside the final furlong, keeping on best to score by half a length.
The Joseph O'Brien trained Never Before (7/2) ran a nice race to take second under Shane Crosse, while the front-running St George's Head was a further two lengths back in third.
"I like him. He was a bit greener than the last fella up here. I probably didn't have any horse in the race with experience that could bring me as far as they did over five here the last day," said Donnacha O'Brien.
"He was just a bit raw in front and having a bit of a gawk. It took a few belts just to get him to let down for me and stride but once he got the hang of it he impressed me.
"Six or seven will be no problem for him, I think that will probably be his range for at least the next month or two."
On the surface O'Brien added: "I've never found that it rides bad. When you step out on it it doesn't walk as good but I'm no expert on these surfaces and all I can tell you is how it's riding from my point of view and I'm happy with how it's riding.
"Obviously there are people that are more qualified than me that will look at the track and see if there is anything that needs to be done. If there is I'm sure it will be done."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards interviewed M.A. Gallagher, rider of St George's Head, concerning the fact that he appeared to move across before reaching the marker poles. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered evidence, the Stewards found the rider in breach of Rule 211 and having taken his record into account suspended him for 1 race day.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
