Oxx on the mark with well-backed newcomer

Storm Legend (20s this morning, and from 11s into 6/1 in the show) took the opening 2-y-o maiden over six furlongs in impressive style for soon-to-retire training legend John Oxx.

The Night Of Thunder newcomer was settled towards the rear by Chris Hayes and made good headway over a furlong out towards the stands’ side.

Hitting the front inside the final furlong he only needed to pushed out to beat Mickey The Steel (5/1) by three and a quarter lengths. Dots De Feetya (40/1) was another head back in third with the 11/4 favourite Giuliana finishing in fourth place.

The winner was bought for E160,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sales and raced in the colours of a prominent Hong Kong-based owner.

“He’s a nice horse," said Hayes.

“Mark McStay bought him for clients of his and put him in with Mr. Oxx and I believe he’s going to Fozzy (Stack). Thankfully they gave me the opportunity to ride him.

“He travelled with ease. He was a bit green early on but when I gave him a squeeze he took off. I’d be looking forward to having him for next year.

“He seemed to get through the ground conditions well. It’s loose and he got through it.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to ride for Mr. Oxx that much. I’ve ridden two winners for him and he’s been confident on both of them. It’s just a shame that I can’t ride a few more for him.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee