Sun King © Photo Healy Racing
Sun King (1/1) justified favouritism in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden but it wasn’t all plain sailing for Aidan O’Brien’s 92-rated performer.
The Galileo colt, sporting the check colours of the late Sir Robert Ogden, had to use up a good bit of petrol to work his way over from a wide draw before getting to the front after a couple of furlongs.
Then he seemed to jump a shadow when turning out of the back straight at the halfway point although, if anything, this seemed to inconvenience his pursuers more than him as several were pushed wide on the bend.
The rest of the mile contest would have made happier viewing for favourite backers as Seamie Heffernan ’s mount never really looked in danger down the straight. He crossed the line a length and a half in front of Zoffman with Kaliysta a head further back in third.
Aidan O'Brien 's representative Chris Armstrong said: "He's off a mark of 92 and has run in good maidens. He has been unlucky not to get one before now.
"We have him in the Blackwater Handicap (over 1m) at Naas on Monday. There is a chance he might run back, we will see how he comes out of that.
"It is great for Lady Ogden to win in the late Sir Robert's colours. It is a very momentous win for us to have one in his colours, and hopefully he is looking down and is proud of everyone."
Siobhan Rutledge, rider of Brave Troop trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount reared up in the stalls and was carried off the first bend.
D.P. McDonogh, rider of Sir Antonino trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount took a bad bump from the inside at the top of the bend.
J.A. Heffernan, rider of Sun King trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount took a bad step at the first bend.
The Stewards reviewed an incident leaving the back straight involving Brave Troop, ridden by Siobhan Rutledge, Sir Antonino, ridden by D.P. McDonogh and Sun King, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, where it appeared Sun King took a false step and moved off the rails causing a knock-on effect to its outer. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Quotes from Michael Graham
