Steps shows a Lethal change of gear

Redpender Stud maestro Jimmy Murphy struck again when his Lethal Steps a son of first-season sire Lethal Force, delivered on debut for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Leopardstown.

This was a lovely performance from the successful grey as he missed the kick and got bumped at the start.

There was plenty of rough and tumble up front which necessitated a steward's enquiry but there was no denying that Lethal Steps deserved to gain the day. There was no alteration to the judge's placings.

Lethal Steps finished off strongly to 'pip' fellow 5/2 joint favourite Dawn Delivers on the line, a short head separating them.

"I didn't think he had got up. I would have been equally happy with a positive run and finishing second. Getting up on the line was a bonus," said Lyons.

"He's a horse that we said we'd run over a shorter trip and we like to do that. Seven is going to be his trip.

"I thought it was a lovely introduction and that he'll have learned plenty and improve plenty.

"You can see by him that physically and mentally he's just coming. It will be all ahead of him over seven furlongs hopefully.

"He does hold a couple of early closing entries and is a horse we've always liked.

"Jimmy (Murphy) said he hasn't had many winners in those colours and it's nice that he's given us a horse to train as I love getting them off the breezer outfits.

"I have him since November training him. He either didn't sell him or decided not to sell."

The Stewards fined Mrs John Harrington, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Mattymolls Gaga, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the latter stages involving Battle Of Jericho (USA), ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed third, Lethal Steps (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, placed first, Mattymolls Gaga, ridden by C. O'Donoghue, placed fifth and Dawn Delivers (GB), ridden by K.J. Manning, placed second, where it appeared that Dawn Delivers caused interference when challenging.

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 any interference was accidental in nature and therefore made no alterations to the Judge's placings and took no further action.

(GC & EM)