Bravery from Concert Hall rewarded with Curragh success

Brilliant dual Oaks heroine Snowfall won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden last year, and for the same connections Concert Hall showed great determination to take today’s Curragh opener.

By Dubawi out of an Oaks winner, Galileo mare Was, Concert Hall justified 11/8 favouritism to build on a debut Fairyhouse second placing 11 days back.

Ballydoyle’s Concert Hall got a 33/1 first show quote with Paddy Power, after battling well off the front end for Ryan Moore, having looked as though she was staring defeat in the face from two furlongs out.

Just two lengths covered the first five home in this seven furlong heat, and at the line Concert Hall had half a length to spare from Voice Of Angels the Joseph O’Brien representative.

“Wayne rode her the first day around a bend in Fairyhouse and said when she was turning she got a bit lost and the winner got away on her,” said Aidan O’Brien.

“She’s tough and genuine and Ryan was very happy with her. The dam won the Oaks so she should stay.

“We’ll look at one of the seven-furlong races with her, maybe the Debutante.”

(AM & EM)