Camel just prevails in Leopardstown opener

Camelback got up on the line to win the opener at Leopardstown, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

A good third on debut to Brother Bear over the course earlier this month, the Ger Lyons trained American bred colt was well-fancied to go one place better this evening as he stepped up in trip to seven furlongs.

Available at 11/4 last night, the son of Exchange Rate opened on-course at 6/4, before going off the 7/4 favourite in the colours of owner Mark Breen.

Settled in mid-division on the outer by Colin Keane, he was pushed along in sixth from the three furlong pole.

He was ridden in pursuit of the leader with over a furlong left to race, and he gradually reduced the deficit inside the final furlong, getting up to prevail by a head. New To Town who hit the front under two furlongs out, had to settle for second under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger at 16/1, while Medal Of Honour (10/1 from as big as 25's this morning) was another two and three parts of a length back in third with Donnacha O'Brien in the saddle for his brother Joseph.

Ger Lyons said afterwards: "He walked around like a lamb here the last day, and we thought it would take a good one to beat him over seven (furlongs). But he came into the parade ring after being tacked up and shouted and roared the place down. He also ran very free to the start which is not him, and I was very worried.

"He was just too fresh and bold, and he's a big strong colt. It was a good performance from stall 12, and he got a few thumps into him which will put manners on him.

"We can't treat him with kid gloves now and will have to treat him like a man and get stuck into him. He can only improve and the further he goes the better he'll be.

"The owner Mark Breen is an Irish/American living in Arizona."

STEWARDS REPORT

P.J. Smullen, rider of Sunnyhill Lad trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost its action crossing the road and was subsequently pulled up.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Sunnyhill Lad, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee