White cap Donnacha O'Brien comes with his winning run on Buckhurst© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O’Brien picked the pocket of his father Aidan in the opening Leopardstown ‘Summer Sizzler’ Maiden. The Carriganog Racing newcomer Buckhurst (4s into 7/2) got there at the line to prevail under Donnacha O’Brien.
With Lancaster House a non-runner Ryan Moore switched on to Jack Yeats and he was popular in the betting, halving in price from 8/1 into 4/1.
This Galileo colt tried to get it done from the front for Aidan O’Brien but he couldn’t ultimately cope with the finishing burst of Buckhurst. Just a nose split them.
Buckhurst is a son of Australia, owned by Lloyd Williams. Of course himself and Joseph O’Brien enjoyed a never to be forgotten day when Rekindling won the 2017 Melbourne Cup.
“He's a very nice horse. I was a little bit surprised that he won at a mile first time, off a slow pace,” said O'Brien.
“Donnacha was very happy with him. I'd imagine we'll probably step into a Derby trial now and go from there.
“I was very impressed with him, the horse in front got the run of the race and there was strong word for a couple of others in the race.
“He's well bred, he's related to The Gurkha and obviously he's by Australia.”
(GC & EM)
