Third time lucky for Mount Everest

Mount Everest made the breakthrough on his third start, as he took the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Sixth on debut, the Aidan O'Brien trained colt was surprisingly beaten into second on his most recent start at Cork when sent off at 4/9.

Returned a well-supported 6/4f chance today, the son of Galileo raced toward the head of affairs throughout.

He had a good battle with Yonkers from over a furlong out, getting on top in the closing stages before going on to score by a length and a quarter.

The aforementioned Yonkers (5/1) had to settle for second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while Gee Rex (5/1) was another five lengths back in third.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I'm delighted with that. We were surprised how green he was the last day in Cork but that can happen sometimes with ours even though he had a run. He was just very at sea.

"He was still very babyish today. We think he is going to be a lovely colt in time but he's still growing up.

"He has a big massive engine, he was half-speeding really. He's after having three runs and we won't force him now as he knows plenty now.

"It depends on what happens after this. We'd be thinking of something like the Beresford if he goes again.

"I think he's just more babyish than wanting a trip. He's just going through the motions."

STEWARDS REPORTS

M.C. Hussey, rider of Sovereign trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung across heels one and a half furlongs out.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson