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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Beacon swoops late in the opener

Sun 30th Aug 2015, 14:25

Beacon Rock (right) sweeps through to beat Precious Gold, Stellar Mass (partially hidden) and Afzal (noseband)Beacon Rock (right) sweeps through to beat Precious Gold, Stellar Mass (partially hidden) and Afzal (noseband)
© Photo Healy Racing

The Aidan O'Brien trained Beacon Rock got up on the line in what was a thrilling finish to the opener at the Curragh, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Sixth on his debut over the course and distance earlier this month the son of Galileo went off the well-backed favourite this afternoon.

Available at 11/4 last night he opened on-course at just 11/8 before going off the clear market leader at 5/4.

Settled behind the leaders he came under pressure and was ridden by Joseph O'Brien with three furlongs left to race.

It wasn't until well inside the final furlong that he really got going, sweeping from fourth to first in the last 50 yards, just getting up to win by a short head. Precious Gold (25/1), who attempted to make all, had to settle for second under Leigh Roche for Homer Scott while Stellar Mass (10/3) was another short head back in third under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He ran a nice race and showed he's tough and hardy. Obviously he's still very babyish and did well to win after looking in trouble at halfway. Hopefully he will progress."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

The winner, who holds plenty of big races entries, is a full-brother to classy stable mate Wedding Vow.

1st
5/4Fav
Tote €2.50 €1.02
2nd
shd
25/1
€6.50
3rd
shd
10/3
€1.70
4th
hd
16/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.