Dandy two-year-olds dominate at Dundalk Ballyhane Stud stallion Dandy Man got off the mark when his daughter Gwen Lady Byron beat his son, Topman Dandy, to land the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction Maiden at Dundalk under Pat Smullen. With the benefit of a run under his belt, many expected favourite Topman Dandy to beat his three rivals. Having said that, Gwen Lady Byron had her supporters too (9/4 this morning into 7/4) as she went into battle in the well-known colours of Frank McNulty (on the mark at Limerick on Sunday with Leah Claire). As might have been expected Topman Dandy set out to make all under Chris Hayes but he couldn't match the turn of foot shown by Gwen Lady Byron inside the last and half a length separated them at the line. Winning trainer Mick Mulvany is well able to 'ready' a juvenile – indeed his Tough As Nails took the opening race of the season in 2011 before losing it in the steward's room. The Kells, County Meath-based trainer said: "We were afraid of the horse that had run before (Topman Dandy). We worked her here two weeks ago and she was showing nicely at home. "Hopefully she'll improve and she's nicely bred. It's a first runner for a new owner so I'm happy with that. "Pat said she should have no problem getting six either." In an interesting aside, Gwen Lady Byron was bred by Noel O'Callaghan's Mountarmstrong Stud, the breeder of last Saturday's National hero, Auroras Encore. The successful chestnut earned her connections extra money by landing the £10K Racing Post Yearling Bonus. (GC & EM)
