Ortelius keeps up the gallop under Wayne Lordan© Photo Healy Racing
With Ryan Moore on duty at Longchamp Wayne Lordan made the most of his opportunities at Leopardstown today, bringing up a 4-timer for Ballydoyle in the concluding Breast Cancer Ireland Handicap.
Lordan made just about all on 11/8 favourite Ortelius to add to earlier gains for connections with Igor Stravinsky Highbury and Los Angeles
For good measure it was a representative of Aidan O'Brien's son Donnacha that did best of the rest in this finale, Invention chasing home at a distance of a length and three parts.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong said afterwards:- “It's a nice way to finish off the day.
“We thought off his mark it was worth coming here and having a go. He was maybe a little bit unlucky the last day.
“He's a typical Justify, he gallops well. We'll probably look at a premier handicap for him next.
“Wayne gave him a lovely ride, got the fractions right, and he kept going all the way to the line. He definitely appreciates the mile-and-a-half.”
P.A. Harnett, rider of Invention, trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had to check at the first bend.
G.M. Ryan, rider of Huxley trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was short of room after a furlong.
K. Stott, rider of Cow Chico trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped very quickly.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the first bend involving Tamrat ridden by C.T. Keane, placed third, Invention, ridden by P.A. Harnett, placed second, Ortelius (USA), ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed first, Huxley, ridden by G.M. Ryan, placed fifth, Cow Chico, ridden by K. Stott, placed unplaced, and Cloud Seeker (GB), ridden by A.J. Slattery, placed sixth, where it appeared numerous horses came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. G.M. Ryan stated that he received pressure from both sides. P.A. Harnett stated that he was only half in the gap. K. Stott stated that he stayed on the outside and looked twice to make sure he was clear. A.J. Slattery stated that he kept a straight line on the bend. W.M. Lordan stated that he broke slow and maintained his line to the bend. C.T. Keane stated that he was slowly away and maintained his line to the bend. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action.
(GC & EM)
