Third time lucky for Home School

The Jim Bolger trained Home School made it third time lucky as he got off the mark in opener at Roscommon this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden.

Ridden by Kevin Manning, the son of Intense Focus finished third on his debut at Limerick last month behind The Organ Grinder, and he then finished second to subsequent Railway Stakes winner Sudirman at Leopardstown.

His last run was over six furlongs and stepped back up to seven furlongs today, he was sent off the 13/8 favourite.

He disputed the lead with No Wunder for most of the race, getting to the front as they turned for home. Trikala (5/2), under Chris Hayes, moved into second two furlongs out and she travelled best, however the winner was game in front and kicked on again a furlong and a half from home, keeping on well to score by two lengths.

The aforementioned Kevin Prendergast trained runner had to settle for second while the front duo went seven lengths clear of Political Policy who finished third of the five.

Kevin Manning said afterwards: "He done it well and the step up in trip was a big help. The ground is on the fast side of good."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee