Count provides Duke with his first winner

Just five went to post for the opening race at Roscommon this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden, with the Aidan O'Brien trained Count Of Limonade coming out on top.

Ridden by Joseph O’Brien, he made all and found more when strongly pressed a furlong out.

He then asserted under pressure and despite drifting a little left close home he went on to score by three and a quarter lengths from the Kevin Prendergast trained Daymoona in second under Declan McDonogh.

The bay son of Duke Of Marmalade was providing his five time Group 1 winning sire with his first winner.

Having opened the Even money favourite with Paddy Powers this morning he drifted out as Daymoona took over at the head of the betting.

On course he opened at 11/8 touched 5/4 but was returned at 11/8 as Daymoona opened at 8/11 touched 4/5 before being returned the 8/11 favourite.

Winning rider Joseph O’Brien said afterwards: "He kept it uncomplicated and he was genuine. He will be better on nicer ground as it is very soft out there.

"I think that is one of Duke's (sire Duke Of Marmalade) first winners and we have a few nice ones at home.

"He was very green in front but it was his first time on a track like that."

The winner was having his third racecourse start this evening having finished down the field on his debut at the Curragh in May before running a much better race last time out to finish second to Einsteins Folly at Leopardstown last month.

(On-course reporting by Gary Carson)