Emperor Rules in Fairyhouse Opener

Emperor Claudius had it on breeding and on form and after being backed into 4/5 favouritism, the son of Giant's Causeway and Virginia Waters made all in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Auction Maiden.

Johnny Murtagh 's mount beat off Bankrobber in the final furlong to prevail by two and a half lengths. The Ballydoyle colt had an auction price of E23,920. Not often do we see a son of the 'Iron Horse' out of an English 1,000 Guineas heroine (2005) compete in this type of contest.