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- Smooth success for Stour as Crosse doubles-up
Donal Murphy
Smooth success for Stour as Crosse doubles-up
Stour (right) leads home Rayadiyr
© Photo Healy Racing
Stour ran out a comfortable winner of the last at Dundalk, the Book Online At dundalkstadium.com Maiden.
Third in a barrier trial last month, the Joseph O'Brien trained colt was expected to deliver today and was sent off a well-backed 7/4 favourite from 11/4 in early shows.
Settled in mid-division by Shane Crosse, who was completing a double on the card, the bay victor eased to the front over a furlong from home.
He was ridden inside the final furlong and soon stretched clear, coming home two-and-three-parts of a length to the good. Rayadiyr (15/8 from 5/4 in early shows) finished second under Ben Coen for Mick Halford, while Dande was another seven lengths back in third.
Crosse, who was earlier successful on Phantom Power said: "He did everything right for his first run. He relaxed good and quickened nicely.
"That trip seems good and he's not short of pace.
"He had a nice introduction in a barrier trial. He benefitted from that today and hopefully he can improve again."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Bora Bora (GB), trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee