Young Ireland (inside) just gets the better of Farnborough© Photo Healy Racing
Young Ireland made the breakthrough on his eleventh start, as he just got the better of Farnborough in the concluding contest at Cork this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Placed on his two previous starts this term, the Jim Bolger-trained New Approach colt was sent off a 5/2 chance (from 6s early) under Luke McAteer.
Drawn on the rail, the bay victor quickly got to the front. Joined early in the straight by Farnborough, the pair had a great tussle from the two furlong pole, with Young Ireland ultimately gaining the upper hand close home.
Half-a-length was the margin of victory, with the runner-up returned the 7/4 favourite under Wayne Lordan for Aidan O'Brien.
O'Brien was also responsible for the third-placed Canute (10/3), who was two-and-a-quarter lengths back under Seamie Heffernan.
"He isn't winning out of turn to be fair to the horse and has strengthened up a lot over the winter," Ger Flynn, Bolger's travelling head man, commented.
"He has now put three good runs together and the horse that Fleetfoot beat (Farnborough, at Leopardstown) was today's favourite so we had a fair idea we had a good chance.
"He stays well and it is onwards and upwards from here on. He is a gorgeous looking horse, was coltish in the ring beforehand but wasn't bad and is a lovely horse who we've always liked."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Blenheim Lad ridden by B.M. Coen, placed sixth, Night Moon (GER), ridden by R.P. Whelan, unplaced, and Sorrento Point (GB), ridden by M.P. Sheehy, unplaced, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B.M. Coen stated that his mount ducked right as he was trying to straighten him. R.P. Whelan stated that he had to check back after his ground was taken. M.P. Sheehy stated that he received pressure from his left causing him to roll in. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action.
J. Kearney, rider of My Boy Teddy trained by Ms Claire O'Connell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount acted up badly in the stalls.
B.M. Coen, rider of Blenheim Lad, trained by A. Oliver, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ducked right in the straight.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
