Well supported Roaring Gallagher made a winning debut at Bellewstown today, being the first Irish winner by deceased first-season sire Roaring Lion, in the opening Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden.

Priced 6/1 yesterday evening before being cut, his price held today and was returned 15/8, against experience rivals including four-times raced 1/1f Betterdayscoming.

Winning jockey Declan McDonogh was alert from the off, making use of the inside draw and holding pole position for much of the race. Betterdayscoming was pressing but jinked approaching the roadway inside the final furlong, with Roaring Gallagher holding on for a head win.

Winning trainer Joseph O'Brien was represented by Brendan Powell who said "he's a grand horse, very laid-back, he had been doing everything right and Joseph liked him at home. Declan (McDonogh) said he travelled well but said he hated this track and said there's a hell of a lot of improvement in him. He's a big horse with a big, long stride.

"Joseph has sent here over the years like Tosen Lydia and Pretty Gorgeous to win and I'm not saying he's there yet, but I think he could be very good."

“Joseph thinks very highly of him and it would be no surprise to see him going for black-type race next time. He's definitely good enough."

Qatar Racing's four-time Group 1 winner Roaring Lion sired just one crop from 2019, before dying that August and has had five UK winners, with four successful juveniles.

Quotes from Michael Graham