Eight has to battle to land odds under Maguire

Falcon Eight had to work much harder than his supporters might have anticipated before eventually justifying his odds on price in the Tote Always SP Or Better At The Curragh Amateur Riders Derby(Q.R.)Race.

Slowly away from stalls, jockey Finian Maguire had to get serious and give him a couple of reminders to wake him up but did eventually pick up the bridle and travel somewhat better.

However, early in the straight, the distress signals were evident as Maguire was low in the saddle as his mount hung in behind the leaders and didn't seem too willing.

To the horses credit, he did respond to every urging and eventually got to the front before running on strongly late on. Much better on a faster surface, Falcon Eight deserves extra credit for finding extra on ground that obvious didn't suit, over a trip well short of his best.

Maguire, too, was seen at his strongest, as he never gave up throughout the last couple of furlongs.

Kris Weld said:- “A mile-and-a-half is a little on the short side for him. You kind of felt from a furlong out, while it wasn't looking pretty, he was always going to get there.

“He got a good strong ride from Finny and he's won easily at the line.

“His sister went out on her sword earlier on. She ran a wonderful race in the Prix Royal-Oak, she was absolutely loving it.

“The winner is rated 118 and is a good horse and they are clear of the rest. If he wasn't in the race she would have won easily.

“This is Finny's first winner at the Curragh which is lovely and we're delighted for Ronan who is a long-standing and loyal supporter.”

When asked if the winner could go over hurdles now he added:- “He probably will, he deserves a little break now.

“There might be something for him at Christmas time.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson