Mint Chai (noseband) and Landofhopeandglory battle out the finish© Photo Healy Racing
The Ger Lyons trained Mint Chai just got up to deny the odds-on favourite Landofhopeandglory in the feature at Naas this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery Handicap.
Landofhopeandglory, Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan, won on his debut at Galway last month and he was well-fancied to follow-up today.
The son of High Chaparral was available at 5/2 last night, opening on-course at 4/5 before going off the clear market leader at 8/11.
Mint Chai was gelded before getting off the mark on his fifth start at Bellewstown last month and he was sent off at 8/1 today under Colin Keane for owner Sean Jones.
Bumped by the runner-up at the start, the winner raced in rear for much of the contest.
He made good progress through the field from two furlongs out and was ridden to challenge with over a furlong left to race.
He had a good battle with Landofhopeandglory inside the final furlong and he just got up on the line to win by a head.
The front duo went two and a half lengths clear of Glamorous Approach (12/1) who finished third under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.
Shane Lyons, representing his brother Ger, said afterwards: "I'm chuffed with that. He was in the nursery at Listowel (transferred to Naas) and I was afraid the ground would not be soft enough here. It's lovely ground but it shows a good horse will go on any ground.
"Being gelded has been the making of him as he's really filled into himself and will make a lovely three-year-old. It's also great to get another Plus10 bonus with him. That's two he's won now."
STEWARDS REPORT
C.D. Hayes, rider of Whiskey Sour trained by Edward Lynam, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was hampered on leaving the stalls.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
