Third time lucky for Santiago

Andy Slattery’s debutant Sunchart (8/1) made a very pleasing debut to reduce the winning margin to a length and a quarter at the line, but the odds-on favourite Santiago (1/2) always had matters under control as he made all to win the opening Tote Ireland Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden for Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien.

Runner-up on his two previous career starts, including behind subsequent Group 2 winner Alpine Star, the son of Authorized was sent for home off the final bend and kept on in good style to comfortably hold the quietly fancied second, with First Thing (20/1) another three and a half lengths back in third place.

"He had the experience, had a good draw and bounced and travelled easy. He did it nicely, said winning rider Donnacha O'Brien.

"Off the bend I asked him to quicken and when you ask them to quicken that early, you are going to gain a few lengths but fade a bit late-on, if a decent horse comes at me. I thought it was a decent performance.

"He is a smart horse and will make into a nice little stayer next year."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes