Purple Dawn quickens away© Photo Healy Racing
Purple Dawn got off the mark at the fourth time of asking in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden over a mile at Dundalk.
Michael O'Callaghan 's colt had shown ability in his three previous starts particularly when runner-up on racecourse debut at Gowran Park in September. He had also taken the runner-up berth in a barrier trial on the Polytrack here in August.
Leigh Roche produced him between horses at the furlong marker and the pair improved to lead with 150 yards to race.
He quickened away to win by a length and a half at 4/1 from 3/1 shot Alaroos Swing Point the 11/4 favourite, gave best inside the final furlong and dropped to third.
Roche said: “He was very green the first day in Gowran and the second day the ground was too soft. We were a bit easy on him before Leopardstown and he blew up that day.
“He’s a big baby and is so laidback. He doesn’t do a stroke at home so you are trying to teach him the whole time. It’s taken him those runs for the penny to drop.
“He has the size and scope to progress next year and this year really is a bonus with him. He’s a well-bred horse and has the looks as well.”
Purple Dawn holds an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
