John O'Riordan
Thrice gets Moore off to winning start on first visit to Listowel
Thrice and Ryan Moore
© Photo Healy Racing
Ryan Moore partnered a winner on his first ever ride at Listowel when Thrice stayed on best inside the final furlong to land the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at the County Kerry track.
Sent off 1-4f, the Aidan O'Brien trained colt certainly gave those that took such short odds a few anxious moments, as he had to be pushed along to gain a prominent position from stalls.
Soon sitting third behind Hostility and Kahu Moore had to keep the odds on favourite up to his work, pushing along for much of the race.
Dylan Browne McMonagle briefly looked to have stolen it on Hostility when kicking from the front over a furlong out. However, Moore was wise to the move, closing the gap on Thrice, before getting to the front over 150 yards out.
The eventual winner powered clear close home for an ultimately easy four length success.
Ryan Moore said: "He had a good run at the Curragh, he is still a bit babyish and was a little lost going around the bends. Once he got balanced in the last furlong and a half, he stayed going well to the line.
"It is a flat track, a bit quick and bit ridgey but the horses seem to handle it well in general.
"They have a heated weighing room here, which is good!"
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
Paddy Powers went 25/1(from 33) Thrice for the Futurity Trophy and 33/1(from 50) Dewhurst Stakes.