There was controversy in the opening five furlongs Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden at Naas this evening when the stalls opened prematurely, causing a false start and a recall of the 11 runners. Julie Moss under Shane Gray, had become upset in the stalls, was taken out and withdrawn, just as the stalls opened.

Quite a few of the jockeys were then caught unawares by the start with Pearl In The Sand rearing up badly as the stalls opened, almost unseating Johnny Murtagh.

The Stewards subsequently received a report from the Turf Club Starter, Mr PF Graffin, that Julie Moss became fractious at the start which necessitated her withdrawl.

While in the process of withdrawing the horse, the starter lost his footing on the steps of the rostrum and this irregular movement seemed to activate the opening of the stall, without the mechanism having been touched. The starter then called a false start and the horses returned to the start.

Mr Graffin subsequently had the stalls successfully tested before commencing reloading. Having considered the report the stewards accepted the explanation offered.

The race was eventually won by the Royal Ascot winning Lolly For Dolly colours of Donal Keoghan with his 12/1 newcomer Hestian under Wayne Lordan.

The son of Kodiac moved through to lead a furlong out before recording a two lengths win over 1/2 favourite An Ghalanta

Winning trainer Tommy Stack was represented by his son Fozzy Stack who mentioned “Hestian has shown a bit of pace at home, but I thought he’d be green today. The false start probably helped him and he’ll probably get sharper as time goes on.”

Thomas Weekes