Martinstown swoops late to make winning debut

The well-bred Aidan O'Brien-trained newcomer Martinstown came with a strong surge to get on top close home in the concluding ten furlong maiden at Cork. Vellner and Flying Dolphin fought it out for most of the straight but both were swamped close home.

Wayne Lordan got a good tune from Marinstown in the closing stages as he led late on to record a half length win over Point Gellibrand who had also finished off well. 7/4 favourite Flying Dolphin was eventually third.

The 5/1 winner, who runs in the colours of JP McManus' daughter Sue-Ann Foley, is a son of Galileo and listed winner Alive Alive Oh. He is a full-brother to Free Wind, who was an impressive Group 2 winner for John Gosden last season.

"He is lovely and goes through the race lovely. We are delighted with him, he is a lovely big horse and is still a baby,” said O'Brien.

“It took him half way down the straight to get going and Wayne gave him a lovely ride and we think he will stay further.

"He was big so we didn't like to force him but has a lovely cruise to him. We were trying to give him as much time as we can and J.P. and Sue-Ann said to take our time with him.

"We think he will stay further and we'll see how he comes out of this. We might look for a winners' race, a conditions race, or maybe a handicap."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)