Warbird battles back for victory in opener

Warbird stuck to his task well to land the opening seven-furlong maiden at Gowran Park this afternoon.

Shane Foley cut out the running on the Sheikh Mohammed-owned Royal Applause colt but he was pressed from before halfway by Craftsman

The easy-to-back Ballydoyle-trained favourite (7/4 into 1/1 morning & 7/4 to 11/4 on course) looked set to score when hitting the front two furlongs out but Foley conjured a renewed effort from his mount.

Warbird battled back to lead inside the final furlong and kept on well in the closing stages for a half-length success.

Trainer Michael Halford felt the experience of the two previous runs helped his charge:-

“It wasn't the plan to make the running and he just found himself there. He rolled around a bit when Joseph (O'Brien) came to him but he picked up again.

“He's a nice horse and the two runs were probably a big help to him. He's a horse that could keep improving. He's honest and he put his best foot forward.”

Quizzed as to whether he would go for a nursery or stakes race next Halford added:- “We'll see what Garry O'Gorman (the handicapper) thinks.”

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)