Gary Carson
Real Madrid player Odriozola on the scoresheet at Leopardstown
Gaheris and Shane Crosse beat Lord Luker
© Photo Healy Racing
Real Madrid right-back and Spanish International Alvaro Odriozola had his colours carried to victory at Leopardstown tonight as Gaheris ran out a gutsy winner of the Manguard Plus Maiden on the card.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained colt went to post 5/4 favourite in the nine-furlong contest following a narrow defeat at Gowran Park last month.
Shane Crosse tracked the leaders on the son of Camelot this evening before giving chase to front-runner Lord Luker down the straight.
Gaheris stayed on stoutly to pick up the leader inside the final furlong and was going away at the line to record a length-and-a-quarter success.
Assistant Brendan Powell said afterwards:- “It was a nice performance and he toughed it out well.
“Shane said he was just a little bit keen early. He said once he put his head down it took him a few strides but he got going and stayed on well.
“It's only his third run and it's great for Alvaro. He was over here a few weeks ago and it's his first winner here in Ireland. He's had winners in Spain.
“He's also got a two-year-old with us and it's nice to get a winner for him.”