Exemplar leads them home under Seamie Heffernan© Photo Healy Racing
The Aidan O'Brien trained Exemplar justified odds-on favouritism in the opener at Galway, the Donnelly's Of Barna EBF Maiden.
A good second on his debut at the Curragh last month, the son of Galileo was expected to go one place better today, as he went off the 8/13 favourite.
Having raced mainly in fourth under Seamie Heffernan, the successful bay colt was pushed along to challenge on the outer with over a furlong to race.
He soon got to the front and stretched clear in the closing stages, going on to score by five lengths.
Newcomer Itsalonglongroad finished a good second under Gary Carroll for John McConnell. The son of Lawman was available at 20's this morning and went as short as 8's, before going off a 10/1 chance.
There was drama inside the final furlong, with De Vegas Kid forced through the rail, after Tang Dynasty veered into him.
Seamie Heffernan said afterwards: "He had a very good run at the Curragh but he is a bit lazy and is still learning. He won easily and feels like he could have a bit of class."
The winner is of course a half-brother to three time Group 1 winner Blue Bunting, while he holds plenty of big race entries.
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into possible interference about 200 yards from the finish involving De Vegas Kid, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed sixth, Itsalonglongroad (GB), ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed second and Tang Dynasty, ridden by D. O'Brien, placed third, where it appeared that De Vegas Kid received pressure from his outside and displaced the running rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered having given D. O'Brien, rider, the benefit of the doubt in relation to the interference caused. Furthermore, the Stewards disqualified De Vegas Kid for running the wrong side of a direction post at the time of the interference.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
