Condon's Romanised looks smart

The Ken Condon-trained and Shane Foley ridden Romanised got there in the nick of time to land the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Navan.

A son of Holy Roman Emperor, the Robert Ng-owned first time out juvenile got in the clear from the furlong pole.

He got there near the finish to mow down Brick By Brick from the red-hot Jessica Harrington stable, by half a length.

Third home was Ballydoyle's 13/8 favourite, Declarationofpeace at a distance of a length and half.

Ken Condon said: "We liked him at home but they have to come and do it. He has been working right from the start but I suppose he has only been on the grass once. Shane (Foley) said he missed the break a little bit but he was happy to do that. He was able to follow some principals.

"He travels through a race like a good horse. He has the ability if we just keep his mind right. He could be a Coventry Stakes horse. He'll be entered in the Norfolk as well and I suppose maybe the Marble Hill.

"There was a lot of chat about a lot of horses in that race. I'd say it was a very good maiden. Put it this way it's not a surprise as we do like him. With the man that owns him, he's not going to be sold. It's nice to have a horse like him. He has a good pedigree and has a big future I hope. He has a nice relaxed way of doing things and he seems to stay as well."

The Stewards enquired into an incident about 2.5 furlongs from the finish involving Another Batt ridden by C.P. Hoban, placed fifth, Castrogiovanni ridden by G.P. Halpin, unplaced, Moltoir ridden by K.J. Manning, unplaced and Ragtime Red ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, where it appeared that Castrogiovanni made a manoeuvre outwards and caused interference.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by G.P. Halpin riding carelessly and therefore suspended him for 1 raceday for a breach of Rule 214.

(MG & EM)