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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Ephesus makes all under Moore to gain first career win

Sun 21st Jul 2024, 17:11

Ephesus and Ryan Moore Ephesus and Ryan Moore
© Photo Healy Racing

The Aidan O'Brien trained Ephesus made all under a strong drive from Ryan Moore to shed his maiden tag at the fourth attempt when staying on in determined fashion to win the Fleetwood Paints Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh.

Placed on his first two starts, the Galileo colt was somewhat disappointing when a beaten favourite on his most recent outing at Leopardstown last month.

Fitted with first-time cheekpieces here, Moore had the O'Brien trained colt at the head of affairs from the outset. Pressing on early in the straight, the 13/8f looked in trouble as Rosso closed up entering the final furlong.

However, with Moore strong in the saddle, the eventual winner stuck to his task in admirable fashion to run out a one-and-a-half-length winner.

“I'm delighted with him. He's a horse that stays very well and he'll stay further than a mile-and-a-half, he's genuine,” said O'Brien.

“We'll look for a staying handicap, he'll have no problem going a mile-and-six.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.

1st
13/8Fav
Tote €2.63 €1.10
2nd
1.5L
7/2
€1.60
3rd
3.75L
7/2
€1.80
4th
1.75L
22/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.