Footbridge gets off the mark on fourth start Footbridge got off the mark on his fourth career start, and the first time he wasn't sent off favourite, as he took the Fairyhouse For Club Fundraisers Median Auction Maiden. Second on his debut last September, the Dermot Weld trained victor then finished third on his return to action at Naas in April. He was a disappointing eleventh on soft ground at the Curragh early last month, and he was sent off a 3/1 chance today in a first time visor. Settled in second by Pat Smullen, he improved to lead over two furlongs out. He soon went clear and was ridden inside the final furlong, going on to score by a length and a quarter. The 8/13 favourite Pacodali did reduce the deficit inside the final furlong, but he was never going to get to the winner, and he had to settle for second under Connor King for Johnny Murtagh. The front two went five and a half lengths clear of Spirit Be You who finished third at 66/1 under Christina Simpson for Natalia Lupini. Dermot Weld said afterwards: "He loves the fast ground and handles it well. "I thought he'd be tough enough to beat as the trip and the ground was right for him. The horse was in great form also. “He had a good run in Naas. The ground was a bit soft for him in the Curragh and I probably ran him back a bit soon. "I think he is in the July sales." Additional reporting by Gary Carson
