Corrienthes impresses on debut

Newcomer Corrienthes ran out a decisive winner of the opener Dundalk this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

The son of Bated Breath was bought for 42,000 pounds as a yearling but went unsold at the Goffs Breeze-Up Sale in April.

He since finished second in a barrier trial at Naas in September and came in for some market support this morning, going from 25s to 12s.

The John McConnell trained colt was however easier to back on-course and went off an 18/1 chance in the colours of owner Wendy O'Leary.

Drawn on the wide outside in stall 14, the bay victor broke smartly to lead under Rory Cleary and once ridden over a furlong out he kept on strongly to register a three and three parts of a length success. Big Gossey (8/1) was a clear second under Danny Sheehy for Charles O'Brien, a further two and a half lengths clear of Holy Olympic (8/1) and Colin Keane in third. Gatwick Kitten was sent off the 2/1 favourite and he finished a disappointing tenth, while the well-backed Christines Angel (20s early and from 8s to 9/2 on-course) also failed to make an impact.

"From that draw to do that, I'm really happy with it," said McConnell.

"Probably six or seven is his trip really but he has natural speed, that's what Rory described it as. He was able to use it to get a good position and he wasn't stopping at the line.

"Obviously it's nice to get it for this owner and he's just a nice horse. Eddie (O'Leary) always thought he was a really nice horse and he always believed in him.

"He didn't sell in Doncaster (breeze-up) and I've been harassing Eddie for years to give me a horse. We managed to get this lad.

"He said he was one of the best breezers he had this year, he was right and all I had to do was not mess it up!

"I'm delighted because my Dad is in hospital, he was in intensive care last week but he's come out of it now and I think he's going to be okay. It's a good fillip for him.

"I'm delighted for the connections. I don't know what we'll do with him, he may end up in another jurisdiction at some stage maybe.

"He handles this surface so well you wouldn't be afraid to come back for another race. He shows a lot of talent at home."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson