Cape Aqraan and Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
An 84 day break and a little step up in trip from his debut at this course back in July, seemed to do wonders for Cape Aqraan the 33/1 victor of the www.roscommonracecourse.ie Maiden for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane.
Much of the pre-race attention here focused on the debut of Ballydoyle's Mastercraftsman half-brother, Prospector
However supporters of that 9/4 favourite knew their fate a considerable distance from home, and he ended up finishing eighth.
The Sean Jones-owned Cape Aqraan was strong when it mattered, and in the final furlong he stayed on stoutly to outpoint Ebazziyr by two and three parts of a length.
Lyons' brother Shane said: "He's a lovely big Cape Cross gelding and he was all at sea on his first start. He is growing into himself and he is a horse to look forward to. He wants soft ground."
The Stewards informed Gavin Cromwell, trainer that Elusive Ivy would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
D.M. Grant, rider of Last Garrison trained by Nigel Carolan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount travelled well into the straight but stopped quickly.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Prospector (USA), trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(DM & EM)
