Vatican makes it fabulous five for O'Brien

Joseph O'Brien drove home The Vatican in the concluding Tipper Road Race at Naas this evening to make it four on the night for the champion jockey and a fabulous five-timer for his father Aidan. Morning With Ivan took them along in the ten furlong conditions event but gave way to Dr Funkenstein with two to run.

He was soon pressed by The Vatican Aidan O'Brien junior got his mount to the front at the furlong pole.

He stuck on well in the closing stages to record a length verdict. Levanto was sent off 5/4 favourite but trailed home last after being eased over a furlong out.

The 11/4 winner, who has been used as the lead horse for Battle Of Marengo, was following up on a maiden success at the Curragh late last month.

“They went a good gallop and he's a horse we always thought would get further than 1m2f,” said Aidan O'Brien. “He'll go for a stakes race now.”

Three of O'Brien's winners wore headgear tonight, Oklahoma City (visor), Minorette (hood), Rain God (blinkers) and he explained:- “Different aids help horses that get a bit lazy.”

Joseph O'Brien added:- “That's my first four-timer although I did ride four winners on the same day last year at Dundalk and Killarney.”

The day had started well for the Ballydoyle handler as he landed the opening two juvenile events with Oklahoma City and Minorette.

Rain God made it a treble in the mile handicap while his daughter Ana also got in on the act when partnering Waver to success in the ten furlong apprentice handicap.

The five-timer was returned at almost 191/1.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)