Artist in search of black type on the back of Leopardstown maiden win Fourth earlier over at Royal Ascot with Snapraeterea, Joseph O’Brien struck in the Irish EBF Auction Series Race at Leopardstown with the Declan McDonogh-ridden Relaxed Artist. McDonogh always had the course and distance fourth from last month, to the fore here, and the Zoffany juvenile was in front over a furlong out. Tom Mullins’ filly Gabbys Girl (50s into 28s) ran very well for second, to be three parts of a length down at the line. O’Brien stable representative Brendan Powell said: “It’s just natural progression from his first run. He’s done it well and it looks like he’s bounced off the ground. “He’s a big horse and there is loads of improvement to come I’m sure. Without a doubt he’ll be looking for a bit of black type with him next time. “He’s a strong stayer and a nice big powerful horse. Looking at him he’s high behind so I’d say there is a fair bit of growing to do as well. “He broke smartly, travelled lovely and kept galloping away.” The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Elzaam Tales, trained by G.M.Lyons, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. (AM & EM)
