Park proves tough in tight finish

Como Park opened his account with a gutsy front-running performance in the TRI Equestrian Maiden at Leopardstown this evening.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained son of Camelot was soon in front under Declan McDonogh but had to pull out all the stops when tackled by First Emperor in the closing stages of the extended mile-and-a-half contest.

There was little between the pair inside the final furlong with Como Park all out close home to record a head victory.

The 5/4 favourite had been placed on all three previous outings, including when chasing home Newfoundland at Navan last time.

Assistant Brendan Powell said afterwards:- “It was a tough performance. I thought Donnacha's horse had come to beat him.

“Declan said in an ideal world he'd rather have got a lead early on but there was going to be no pace, and we know he stays well, so he just let him bowl along.

“It was a tough, hardy performance and he's going in the right direction. He stays well and he's genuine. Hopefully it's onward and upwards from here.”