Lee doubles-up on Godolphin debutant

After winning the third on Sioux Spirit Billy Lee quickly doubled his tally aboard newcomer Marcher Lord in the Lynn Lodge Stud Maiden.

Trained by Willie McCreery, the Shamardal gelding was available at 25/1 in early shows, but eventually went off at just 11s in the colours of Godolphin.

Settled in mid-division on the outer, he tracked the favourite Westernesse from the two-furlong pole.

When the market leader hit the front with a furlong to go, he was soon tackled by the winner and after a good battle in the closing stages, just a neck separated them at the line.

The runner-up was returned at 7/4 under Chris Hayes for Dermot Weld, while The Lute Player (11/2) was a further two-lengths back in third.

"I thought his inexperience and a wide draw would count against him today but we went a nice gallop and they were stretched out nicely," Lee said.

"I moved into the race well and got onto the back of Chris Hayes, and to be fair to my lad he picked them off and got to the line well. It was a nice performance.

"He handles that good ground well and when he matures will be a nice horse."

Earlier this month it was announced that the Godolphin operation are unlikely to have any new horses trained in Ireland for the foreseeable future.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee