De Boss Man and Colin Keane lead home Ice Canyon (blue) and Khukri (red cap)© Photo Healy Racing
De Boss Man held the late charge of Ice Canyon to get off the mark at the third time of asking in the six-furlong maiden at the Curragh this afternoon.
Colin Keane was always prominent on the 9/2 shot and Michael O'Callaghan's charge kicked for home over a furlong out having mastered 15/8 favourite Khukri
He had to repel a strong late run from Ice Canyon, however, as that rival ran on inside the final furlong to get to within half a length at the line.
The winner had finished fourth when sent off the well-backed 9/10 favourite on his second start at Cork earlier this month.
“We've always thought a lot of this horse. He was a little unlucky in Cork last time but actually learned a lot out of it and benefitted more from getting beaten than winning it,” said O'Callaghan.
“He only does enough and Colin said he was getting lonely in front. He coaxed him there and didn't get stuck into him.
“He thinks he's a proper horse and said he would have no problem bouncing out again for the Round Tower next week.
“Good ground is the key to him. The ground was a bit soft in Cork and he was spinning his wheels a bit.
“He's full of energy and doesn't do a lot at home. He does everything within himself.
“I'd say he won pretty snug in the end. He was getting a bit lonely and is still green.”
