Kalapour and Ronan Whelan beat Stormy Ireland© Photo Healy Racing
With several of the other main contenders being withdrawn from the Live Streaming On The BoyleSports App Maiden, Stormy Ireland was sent off the 2/13 favourite but couldn’t repel the challenge of Kalapour (8/1) in the final furlong.
Not seen since a promising run as a 2 -year-old at Dundalk in late 2019, the Aga Khan-bred son of War Command forged clear to turn over Willie Mullins’ hotpot by two lengths, giving Ronan Whelan a double after Sea Breezing in the opener.
A half-brother to Lenabane Stakes winner Kalaxana, the Michael Halford-trained winner is from the family of Kalanisi.
"He met with a little setback and the Aga Khan has given him all the time that he has needed," said Whelan.
"They haven't rushed him and the benefit showed there today.
"He was still a little bit raw off the bridle. In racing terms, he is still a bit babyish even though he is a four-year old. He has plenty of scope.
"He is a fine stamp of a horse and he has plenty of options. Today we wanted to get him out and whatever he did he was going to improve, so the fact he was able to go and win was great. He'll improve no end for that."
Quotes from Michael Graham
