Castlelyons springs a surprise in the last

Newcomer Castlelyons ran out a surprise 40/1 winner of the last at Cork, the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden, scoring under Seamie Heffernan for John Murphy and owner John Nordlokken.

Sent off the outsider of the field the son of Papal Bull soon led and he was ridden with two furlongs to race.

He was a few lengths clear at the furlong pole and he kept on well under pressure from there to score by two and three parts of a length. Cradle Mountain (14/1) finished second under Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan while the 4/5 favourite Xebec (was 6/4 last night) could only manage a disappointing third, a further two and a quarter lengths back, under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx.

John Murphy said afterwards: "He was a backward two year old and we didn't do a whole lot with him. He has a big engine though, is 16.3hh and has loads of class and speed.

"As Seamie (Heffernan) said 'who knows where he'll end up'."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the latter stages involving Cradle Mountain, ridden by D. O'Brien, placed second, Siege Of Orleans (USA), ridden by J.P. O'Brien, placed fifth, Xebec (USA), ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed third and Sidra ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed fourth, where it appeared that Cradle Mountain had made contact with Xebec (USA) which in turn caused interference by a knock on effect. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Patrick Keating, Authorised Representative for A.P. O'Brien, trainer, accompanied D. O'Brien at this enquiry. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was caused by D. O'Brien riding carelessly and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his previous record into consideration.

C.R. King, rider of Ferguson (GB) trained by David Marnane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount shied away from other horses in the straight.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes