O'Callaghan off the mark for new owners

Malex (7/1) made a winning debut at the Curragh today, landing the Finlay Volvo (C&G) Maiden on the line for trainer Michael O'Callaghan, owners AMO Racing Limited and jockey Leigh Roche. Boundless Ocean (10/11f) carried a 100 rating into today's race, made the running and while looked likely to win inside the final furlong, Malex lunged late to lead at the line and score by a head.

Afterwards O'Callaghan stated “it’s the first horse I’ve training for Kia Joorabchian and AMO Racing and I’m delighted to train a winner for them.

“He was an expensive yearling (420,000gns) and you could see why as he’s a very good looking horse. He’s taken a bit of time and was as green as grass through the middle of that race. He was one of the first off the bridle.

“Leigh switched him out, got daylight and he kept picking up. I think the further he goes the better he’ll go.

“I thought it would be very difficult to beat Jim Bolger’s horse (Boundless Ocean) and he ran a very good race so it might entitle us to have a crack at the Guineas Trial in Leopardstown over a mile. We’ll see where we go from there and he’s a nice horse to have.”

Quotes from Alan Magee