Masucci justifies favouritism in the opener

Masucci justified favouritism in the opener at Gowran this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.

A close third on debut at Limerick last month, the Ger Lyons trained Zoffany colt was available at 5/2 last night, but came in for plenty of market support, eventually going off the clear 5/4 market leader.

Soon settled in second by Colin Keane, the bay victor was pushed along to lead with two furlongs left to race, and he kept on well under pressure from over a furlong out, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths. Iron Blue (14/1) finished second under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast, while newcomer Eire Rock (14/1) ran well to take third, another half a length away in third for Billy Lee and Fozzy Stack.

Ger Lyons said afterwards: "That was grand. He's a real nice horse with a future and the further he goes the better he'll be.

"As Colin said there he is still very raw and green. There is still plenty of improvement in him and I like the colt. There were plenty fancied in the race.

"A winners race is always the way forward for us unless a stakes race presents itself beforehand. I'd like to go for a winners race first as he's only half a horse at the moment."

The winner is owned by Sean Jones, and was bought by Lyons for E90,000 as a yearling at Tattersalls last September.

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.P. Whelan, rider of Magnetic North trained by Ms. Sheila Lavery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost his action.

The Stewards enquired into an incident at the start of this race involving Spirit Power (GB), ridden by D. O'Brien, unplaced, Bye Bye Brussels ridden by C. O'Donoghue, unplaced and Fiannaiocht ridden by K.J. Manning, placed sixth, where it appeared interference may have occured. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D. O' Brien was in breach of rule 214 in that he rode carelessly. Having considered his record in this regard, the stewards suspended D. O'Brien for two racedays.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Bye Bye Brussels, trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson