High hopes for Parish Boy next year

The sweeping run Order Of St George unleashed at the two pole looked set to reap dividends in the Listed Eyrefield Stakes, but it was Parish Boy who kept on best to grab him close home.

The pair had previously clashed at Naas in August where Parish Boy won by three parts of a length. There was half a length in it. Parish Boy was sent off 7/2 while Order Of St George was the 7/4 favourite. That was Parish Boy’s last racecourse outing.

Kevin Manning worked his way through after his mount was slowly away. However, he mowed down the ground from a furlong and a half out to win nicely at the finish.

Jim Bolger said: “He didn’t break that well. Kevin gave him a great ride and took his time. He’s a classy horse. When we saw he was the same colour as The Tetrarch and he traces back to him we always had hopes.

“I’m viewing him now as a Guineas horse, either the Irish or the English. He came back so well today after a long layoff that we may not need to give him a trial. I think he’ll get a mile and a half. I’m hoping he will emulate his dad (New Approach).”

Dermot Weld 's Zafilani took third place, beaten two and three quarter lengths by the winner.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson