A Greater Force off the mark

A Greater Force (5/6 into 4/6) got the job done on start number three in the www.roscommonracecourse.ie Maiden.

The Ballydoyle colt had blinkers on for his previous third placing at Listowel but here he was without the head-gear.

Joseph O'Brien needed to keep the son of Montjeu up to the task at hand from an early stage.

He mastered Beyond Intensity in the end by two and a half lengths.

"He has improved with each start," divulged Joseph.

"He is lazy and laid back but like I say he stepped up and hopefully he will keep stepping up. He still felt quite green throughout. He was off the bridle most of the race.

"He will probably improve when he gets gelded. He will make a nice staying horse in the future but he has a bit to come yet."

On yesterday's headline maker Ol' Man River, the champion jockey said: "I couldn't be happier with him. He is very pacey and he relaxes and he is a classy horse. I'd be more worried about him getting a mile and a half than him having enough pace for a mile."

The Stewards enquired into an incident turning into the straight involving A Greater Force (FR), ridden by J.P. O'Brien, placed first and Next Bend ridden by P.J. Smullen, unplaced.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no action other than to caution J.P.O'Brien concerning the accuracy of his evidence.

(DM & EM)