Saxon Warrior is pushed out by Donnacha O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Newcomer Saxon Warrior ran out an impressive winner of the opener at the Curragh, the Irish Times Irish EBF Maiden.
Aidan O'Brien was responsible for the winner, while he also saddled the 8/11 favourite Christopher Robin who finished a disappointing seventh under Ryan Moore.
The Japanese bred winner is a son of Deep Impact, and is out of Group 1 winner Maybe. He was available at 12s last night, opening on-course at 10s before going off an 8/1 chance.
Settled towards rear by Donnacha O'Brien, the bay victor was switched to the outer from the two furlong pole.
He was pushed along with over a furlong left to race, and swept through to lead in the final 100 yards, going on to score impressively by three and a quarter lengths.
Fellow newcomers filled the second and third positions, with Jim Bolger's Meagher's Flag (20/1) in the runner-up spot, half a length in front of Sacren Knight (14/1) who is also trained by Aidan O'Brien.
"It's lovely to find them. He looks a very smart colt," said O'Brien.
"He was just ready to come racing. Donnacha said when he pulled him out he took off. That's great.
"He really quickened and when you run those horses you are always hoping you'll find something.
"He's a big powerful horse. The dam was very good. Donnacha was very impressed with and we'll try not to go too quick with him.
"He should come forward and we can do a lot of stuff with him. We can come back for the Beresford or go seven furlongs."
STEWARDS REPORT
D.P. McDonogh, rider of Fridtjof Nansen (GB), trained by John M. Oxx, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount did not have much room in the latter stages, but ran on well.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
