Belmont Avenue back in excellent form to win on first start at three

The strong late market move was for favourite Belmont Avenue and he delivered in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Dundalk.

After a couple of outings as a juvenile Belmont Avenue returned here nicely for his three-year-old career, with Declan McDonogh up again for Joseph O’Brien in the Lloyd Williams silks.

Ballydoyle newcomer County Wicklow took them along but it was ultimately Jessica Harrington’s filly Golden Lyric that gave Belmont Avenue (7/4) most to do.

He did her no favours when edging left to the rail inside the final furlong. He was well on top by two and a quarter lengths at the finish though.

“He ran well here in a barrier trial and showed a good turn of foot today,” reported McDonogh.

“He was unlucky not to win in Cork and the ground was a bit slow the last day at the Curragh. Back to the Polytrack suited him today.

“He’s done well over the winter from two to three. He’s a fine looking horse.”

S. Foley, rider of Golden Lyric (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that he had to take a check in the last hundred yards.

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Belmont Avenue, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed first and Golden Lyric (GB), ridden by S. Foley, placed second, where it appeared that Golden Lyric had to check off heels. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S. Foley stated that he took a precautionary check but that his race was run and the incident did not cost him anything. D. P. McDonogh stated that he had quickened up very well and he felt he was well clear. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that D. P. McDonogh was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered D. P. McDonogh's record in this regard the Stewards suspended D. P. McDonogh for one raceday.

(AM & EM)