White Marlin makes winning debut

Well-bred White Marlin (6/1) made a winning debut for trainer Joseph O'Brien at Dundalk today, landing the Crowne Plaza Hotel Maiden for owner/breeder Morna McDowall and jockey Declan McDonogh.

The son of Mastercraftsman is a half-brother to Eddie Lynam's speedy Group 1 Flying Five Stakes winner Romantic Proposal and today debuted as a gelding at 1m4f.

Jockey McDonogh held White Marlin in mid-division before producing him to challenge in the straight, eventually getting the better of Elzaamsan by a head.

McDonogh later commented “we steadied it right down, down the back, and were going a gentle canter. I was creeping into it nicely, I was three wide but I had cover from Leigh (Roche's) horse in front.

“He showed a good attitude first time and galloped out strong. A better pace would have suited him but he did well first time as it's never easy around here.

“He's a horse that might improve a good bit. He's a big baby and first time out against horses that have had runs I thought he did very well.”

A white marlin is a species of billfish that lives in tropical and subtropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Quotes from Gary Carson