Torcedor impresses on debut for Harrington

Torcedor blitzed his better fancied rivals in the concluding Spin 1038 Race, scoring on his first start for Jessica Harrington.

Previously trained by David Wachman, the five-year-old son of Fastnet Rock landed the valuable 'Northfields' Handicap on Champions Weekend 2015, and was subsequently second in a Listed race.

He disappointed on his four starts last season, but bounced back in impressive fashion today.

Settled in second by Colm O'Donoghue, the winner challenged the 4/5 favourite Forgotten Rules for the lead down the back straight.

He hit the front with four furlongs to race and stretched clear from the two furlong pole, keeping on strongly under pressure, going on to score by five and a half lengths. Twilight Payment came through to take second under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger at 11/4, while Forgotten Rules could only manage third, another three parts of a length back.

The winner was returned at 8/1, but was as big as 25's in place this morning, opening on-course at just 9's.

Jessica Harrington said afterwards: "He was very good. He's had a wind-op since he came to me from David's.

"I've been ticking along with him and he was sort of sent to me to go jumping. I just hadn't had time to get enough schooling into him but he might go jumping as well as stay on the Flat.

"I suppose we'll look at that sort of distance, 1m 6f, and see what happens. I'm delighted with him.

"He just probably likes that bit of give in the ground to get the best out of him.

"I didn't really expect that, he surprised me. I thought he'd run well but I didn't think we could possibly beat Forgotten Rules or Twilight Payment. He quickened up really well so it's great.

"I'll probably keep him to the Flat now and see how we get on. If he comes out of this alright we'll see where we go.

"I've no plans and he's not entered up in anything. I'd say he'll probably go anywhere there's a bit of ease in the ground."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson