Gale out battles Leitir to take Curragh opener

The opening race at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo’s Maiden over six furlongs went to the Aidan O’Brien trained, Joseph O’Brien ridden Gale Force Ten

The son of Oasis Dream had just one run to his name before today, that coming at Dundalk last month where he finished just over two lengths third to the odds-on favourite Almanack.

That Dundalk contest was over five furlongs and stepping up in trip by a furlong today the bay colt delivered.

He and the 11/10 favourite Leitir Mor disputed the lead in the early stages before the favourite hit the front with over a furlong left to race.

However Gale Force Ten battled back gamely and stayed on best to edge ahead inside the final furlong and went on to score by three parts of a length.

Leitir Mor had to settle for second yet again while the Andrew Oliver trained newcomer Hard Yards ran well to take third on his debut a further two and three parts of a length back under Chris Hayes at 16/1.

Leitir Mor has now finished second on his three career starts to date and has been beaten by an Aidan O’Brien trained, Joseph O’Brien ridden horse on each occasion.

The winner was well supported on course and having opened at 9/2 he was backed into 7/2 at the off.

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said afterwards: "We are delighted. The ground was a big worry and I’m pleasantly surprised he went on it.

"We always thought he was a fast horse. When our horses met the soft ground at Leopardstown on Friday you saw what happened (put in disappointing performances).

"We think he might be a Royal Ascot horse and we will look at the Windsor Palace or Norfolk Stakes now."

O’Brien went on to talk about his Irish Derby possibilities saying: “Camelot, Astrology and Imperial Monarch are all in the Derby work regime and we will see how they get on.

“Camelot hasn’t done anything yet.”

Donal Murphy & Gary Carson