Ballydoyle's Idaho impressive on debut

Munaashid and Mittersill were the 'money horses' from earlier in the day for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, but that pair and the rest were blown away by an impressive Ballydoyle newcomer, Idaho in race five at the Curragh.

It was actually the 82-rated Theodorico that did best of the rest, but in a great sign for Idaho's future, the Joseph O'Brien-ridden winner was able to put three and a half lengths between himself and that opponent at the line.

Munaashid eventually went off at odds-on (9/10), but could manage only third, a nose back, and Mittersill finished sixth.

"He finished well and opened up well. He covered the last furlong very well and you'd have to be delighted with him first time out," said Aidan O'Brien.

"We thought he was ready to run and he's been there a while. Obviously it was his first time away.

"He's in the Racing Post and the two Group 1s in Saint Cloud. We'll see how things go and see how he progresses.

"It looks like he'll make a nice middle distance horse next year.

Comparing Idaho with his brother, Highland Reel, O'Brien reflected: "His brother was out earlier and he's taken a little bit more time to come.

"His brother won a mile maiden also, but that was after a run, and obviously it was this horse's first run."

(GC & EM)