Way completes quick cross-card double for O'Brien

Monty's Way completed a quick cross-card double for Joseph O'Brien, as he ran out a ready winner of the Celtic Steps Handicap.

Successful on his third start at Roscommon last year, the Newtown Anner Stud Farm owned four-year-old disappointed on his next two starts at Listowel and Leopardstown respectively.

Sent off a 10/1 chance this evening (from 14s), the son of Fastnet Rock was settled behind the leaders by Mikey Sheehy, getting a dream run through on the inner to lead from the three furlong pole.

Ridden over a furlong from home, the 79 rated colt kept on well in the closing stages and came home two lengths clear of the running on Away To Sea (16s early and from 9s to 13/2 on-course). Derrinlaur (9/2), also in the colours of Newtown Anner Stud Farm, was another four-and-a-quarter lengths back in third, while the 7/2 favourite Abstract was fourth.

"He won his maiden last year and went to Listowel then but was off the bridle the whole way and at Leopardstown on his last run he tripped on a bend and was all disorganised," said assistant trainer Brendan Powell.

"Maybe he is maturing and strengthening as he is a massive big horse and loved the ground today. I thought the track would be a bit sharp for him but Mikey said he travelled well and the gap came and he said he stuck it out well to the line."

"He is a nice horse going forward without a doubt."

Joseph O'Brien was also on the mark at Sligo, with his Entropy scoring just minutes previous to Monty's Way.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards received a report from the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, that Monty's Way, trained by J.P. O'Brien, was found to be a gelding and not a colt as shown on the passport presented. Having considered the report, the Stewards fined J.P. O'Brien E130, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 148 (vi).

Richard John O'Brien, trainer of Abstract, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge had a cut on its left fore post race and was found to have pulled a shoe also on its left fore.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes